Marine Conservation Society (MCS) supporters The Dive Zone (Melksham, Wiltshire) and Vobster Quay (Mells, Somerset) are hosting a special 24-hour sponsored dive to raise awareness and funds for the charity. Over the space of 24 hours, 50 willing challengers from dive clubs around the area will each take it in turns to spend up to an hour at a time underwater. There will be at least four divers in the water at all times throughout the 24 hours, and one participant is aiming to complete 24 dives in 24 hours! The diving will continue throughout the day on Saturday 19th April, into the night until the small hours of Sunday morning until the target of 24 hours of continuous diving is achieved.

Through this tough challenge, the divers aim to raise vital funds for the work of the Marine Conservation Society, which is celebrating its Silver Jubilee this year. Colin Eadie from DiveZone says:

‘MCS is a charity which is really close to my heart – as it should be for any diver. MCS conservation projects tackle issues which directly affect us as divers – from pollution and the rubbish on our beaches, to the need for marine reserves and protection of basking sharks. We have had a fantastic response with many people raising money and wanting to take part in the event. The more of us who can help the better, so even if you cannot take part please sponsor one of our team for a dive!’

Both Tim Clements from Vobster and Colin Eadie from DiveZone have pledged to shave off their hair if the fundraising target of £5,000 is reached before the diving starts on Saturday. The girls from the GWR Black Thunder crew will be there to support the challengers, and should a haircut be needed I’m sure they’ll do the honours!

To further top up money raised by the participants, Vobster Quay have pledged to donate a portion of all participants' entrance fees to MCS and offer FREE ENTRY to any participant with over £100 in sponsorship pledges. There is a treasure hunt with donated dive-related prizes, food and a barbeque throughout the event to keep energy levels up, and they are even running a night diving specialty course for half price with all proceeds going towards their fundraising target.

Dr Jean-Luc Solandt, MCS Biodiversity Policy Officer, who will be on hand to discuss work with visitors and will be taking the plunge too, says:

'Divers have made a significant contribution to the success of the MCS Marine Reserves Now! campaign, and have been some of the first people to witness the damage being done to the marine environment. We are delighted to be the beneficiaries of this dive-a-thon!'

This impressive dive challenge is part of the MCS Coastal Challenge, and each metre in depth will help towards the target of covering the distance around our UK coastline (18,470km or 11,477 miles). Challenges have included group beach cleans, marathons, triathlons, swimming and sailing around islands. With the help of people who care about the future of our seas, shores and wildlife MCS hopes to hit the target this year, having got very close last year with 15,984 km or 9932 miles covered. If you’d like to help them, please request your free fundraising pack from fundraising@mcsuk.org

By taking the Coastal Challenge, Colin and everyone at Divezone and local scuba clubs are helping MCS combat the following threats to marine life from the tiniest plankton to the largest whale:-

·        65% of our fisheries are being fished beyond safe sustainable limits;
·        Less than 0.002% of our UK seas are totally protected from all forms of extractive activities (e.g. fishing, dredging, dumping). Scientists recommend at least 20% should be totally protected;
·        Over 1,900 items of litter are collected on an average kilometre of UK beaches, posing a threat to wildlife and to people

Call or email today and request your fundraising pack from MCS on 01989 566017 (or fundraising@mcsuk.org). Every supporter who raises £100 through their Coastal Challenge gets a fantastic free ‘MCS Champion’ t-shirt – visit our website www.mcsuk.org for more information and updates on other Coastal Challengers.

Ends

Contact:

Richard Harrington, MCS Communications Manager
Telephone: 01989 566017 Mobile: 07793 118384
Email: richard.harrington@mcsuk.org

Colin Eadie, Dive Centre Manager, The Dive Zone Ltd
Tel: 01225 791440
Email: info@thedivezone.co.uk
Web: www.thedivezone.co.uk
 

Editor's Notes

The Marine Conservation Society (MCS) is the UK charity dedicated to the protection of our seas, shores and wildlife.  MCS campaigns for clean seas and beaches, sustainable fisheries, protection of marine life and their habitats, and the sensitive use of our marine resources for future generations.  Through education, community involvement and collaboration, MCS raises awareness of the many threats that face our seas and promotes individual, industry and government action to protect the marine environment. MCS provides information and guidance on many aspects of marine conservation and produces the annual Good Beach Guide (www.goodbeachguide.co.uk), the Good Fish Guide and www.fishonline.org on sustainable seafood, as well as promoting public participation in volunteer projects and surveys such as Beachwatch, Adopt-a-Beach and Basking Shark Watch.www.mcsuk.org

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Marine Conservation Society . Unit 3 Wolf Business Park . Alton Road . Ross On Wye . HR9 5NB

01989 566017 . info@mcsuk.org . www.mcsuk.org

MCS Scotland . 3 Coates Place . Edinburgh . EH3 7AA . 0131 2266360 . scotland@mcsuk.org

Registered charity no (England & Wales): 1004005 . Registered charity no (Scotland): SC037480

Company Limited by guarantee no. 2550966 . Registered in England VAT no. 489 1505 17