We have a varied programme of dives planned for 2008. The projects are:

1) Mapping Seagrass beds

Seagrass beds are an important habitat, providing nursery areas for species such as flat fish, and habitat for species such as seahorses and pipefish. We will be mapping the extent and condition of seagrass beds in Strangford Lough and Red Bay (east coast). This will involve the use of quadrats to make seagrass counts (training will be provided on a course in May) as well as recording species in a seasearch survey.

2) Monitoring maerl beds

Maerl is a coralline seaweed, with an appearance a bit like pink twiglets. It can form large beds which are important nursery habitats for species such as scallops. Many Northern Ireland priority species, such as the sand star Astropecten irregularis are also associated with maerl beds. We did some survey work on fossil maerl beds in Red Bay in 2006. This year we will be returning to sites in Red Bay and some new sites in Strangford Lough.

3) Ramore head survey

Last year the sewage outfall pipe on Ramore head (Portrush) was turned off. Over the next three years we will be surveying this site to see what effect this has on the species present here.

4) North Coast Sea Caves

There are several underwater sea caves on the north coast between Portrush and Ballycastle. These are a protected habitat. We will be surveying these areas to record the habitats and species present.

5) Fan mussel hunt (continued!)

The fan mussel Atrina fragilis is very rare in the UK, until recently the only known living populations were in Devon. During 2007 one fan mussel was found in a top secret location near Rathlin Island, we helped to monitor this individual last year. In 2006 we found several dead fan shells on the Skerries, indicating they may still be present in this area. There are historical records of fan mussels from Belfast Lough and we suspect that populations may still be present near to wrecks where they are protected from fishing damage. We will survey around selected wrecks in the Lough.

Details of how to book are on the website and information will be sent out nearer the time on the mailing list.  The dives are subsidised, on the condition that divers fill out survey forms, so we are able to offer each day (2 dives) for only £25.  Some slots book fast (particularly weekend trips), so email Claire claire.goodwin@gmail.com to book a place if there are dates you are particularly interested in.