National Seasearch Project
Aim and Objectives

Seasearch is a volunteer diving project which will increase knowledge of the marine environment around the UK and contribute towards its conservation

Aim :
To increase knowledge of the UK marine environment and contribute towards its conservation through participation of SCUBA divers.

Objectives:

• To gather information on UK seabed habitats and associated wildlife through participation of SCUBA divers
• To provide standardised training to enable SCUBA divers to participate in Seasearch
• To ensure the quality of data gathered
• To make available the data collected through Seasearch
• To raise awareness of the diversity of UK marine life and its environment through participation of SCUBA divers and dissemination of information.

Seasearch National Steering Group
Terms of Reference

Purpose:
The Seasearch National Steering Group was established in December 1999 to provide direction and oversee the development of a national Seasearch project in accordance with the project's aims and objectives.

Tasks:

• develop a prioritised Seasearch development plan and monitor its progress
• identify the most effective mechanism for delivering aspects of the development plan
• establish and set remits for Working Groups where needed to address specific issues e.g. data management, training, methodology
• respond to the outcomes of work carried out by the Working Groups
• agree and oversee the allocation of funds procured on behalf of the Steering Group for national development of the project, including agreement on merit of allocating funds to regional projects
• provide input and direction to the identification and prioritisation of target areas for regional projects and expeditions
• ensure that data quality assurance is considered and implemented throughout the development and operation of the project
• ensure that data is contributing appropriately and efficiently to relevant data sets
• ensure effective feedback to participants, the public and agencies

Secretariat:
The Marine Conservation Society will provide a secretariat role for the Seasearch Steering Group

Chairperson:
To be nominated and elected on a 2 year renewable tenure
Current Chairperson (since September 1999) Sam Fanshawe, Director of Conservation, MCS

Sub-groups:
The Steering Group may wish to set up sub-groups to develop specific aspects of the programme

Frequency of meetings:
The Steering Group will meet 2-3 times per year

Venues:
Members will be notified of venues and timings as appropriate

Organisations currently represented on the Steering Group are:

Marine Conservation Society, The Wildlife Trusts, English Nature, Countryside Council of Wales, Scottish Natural Heritage, Environment and Heritage Service of Northern Ireland, Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Environement Agency, Marine Biological Association, British Sub Aqua Club, Professional Association of Diving Instructors, Scottish Sub Aqua Club, Sub-Aqua Association and Nautical Archaeological Society.