Despite the stifling heat we had enough members present to give our guest Vicki Neild, Programme Manager with Seakeepers International Society a warm welcome. The meeting started with an introduction to the Society and its aims, then Vicki explained four different projects that any of us can get involved in. Links provided take you to the relevant Citizen Scientist pages.

  • Seabed 2030: to collect depth and location data from participating vessels to help complete the mapping of the world’s oceans by 2030. All that is required is a data logger (supplied) to be attached to your boat’s data network.
  • Orca Oceanwatchers: to report sightings of any whales, dolphins and porpoises. Training and an app is provided.
  • Humpback Whale Sightings: working with the University of Exeter to record sightings of humpback whales in UK and Irish waters.
  • Eyesea: reporting any form of pollution including oil, chemicals, plastic waste to help build a global picture of what is really happening in our seas.

Vicki concluded with a link to the Green Guide to Boating which we can download and gives tips on protecting the environment while we enjoy boating.

If you would like to be involved in any of these projects please contact Vicki at vicky@seakeepers.org

After that very interesting presentation, we returned to our regular agenda. Steve went through the current club competition standings, see below. Then it was Fish Of The Month! We had a number of good entries and nobody challenged the unofficial rule of Best Specimen, so FOTM was awarded to Andy Bird for a mullet of 4lb 8oz.

The Annual SMAC BBQ attracted 32 members, and the raffle raised £785.00. After costs were deducted we were able to add £52.48 to club funds. Neville was thanked for cooking and also putting out a small BBQ fire, and Team Atkins were thanked for the delicious pile of scones. You can read more and see photos on the linked page.

Our next event is the Bass Open Competition on 12th (or 13th) July. Posters and banners are up, prizes are being collected and fish measures have been delivered. Dave Newnham explained the rules and answered any remaining questions. Details are on our Competition page with a link to the sign-up form unless you want to pay cash on the day.

The date will be set for our annual Open Species Competition in August after the Bass Competition is completed.

Our next monthly meeting will be on Tuesday 5th August at 7pm in the Marina Bar as usual.