|
|
British ultra-endurance swimmer, Antarctica, Winter 2005
 |
Damon is part of the logistical support team for British ultra-endurance swimmer Lewis Gordon Pugh. Two world records were broken in Antarctica - for the longest and furthest south long-distance swims. With Damon's experience of Antarctic wildlife, he was tasked with zodiac-patrolling the waters before and during the record attempts to protect Lewis from Leopard seals and Killer whales.
More information at: lewispugh.com
(full press release at: swimming.about.com)
|
Antarctic, Winter 2005
 |
Damon made a welcome return to the Southern Ocean after a 10-year absence, as a lecturer, naturalist and Zodiac driver on the MV Polar Star with Polar Star Expeditions. The cruises followed in Shackleton's "footsteps", visiting the Falkland Islands, South Georgia and the Antarctic mainland. Our programme of technical support to expedition cruises is due to expand in 2006.
|
Indian Ocean, Winter 2005
 |
Pelagial's long-term experience of working along the East African coastline proved useful as our staff returned to remote areas of southern Tanzania and northern Mozambique. This is our second season contracted to Noble-Caledonia Ltd and included an expanded staff team of lecturers, naturalists and Zodiac drivers.
|
Isle of Wight, Autumn 2005
 |
Pelagial supported a survey of littoral sea caves of South Wight Maritime cSAC on behalf of English Nature. Our role was (i) to assist in the location intertidal cave communities and determine baselines for the extent and range and distribution of characteristic sea cave biotopes; (ii) to assist in the detailed phase two survey of several representative sea caves (iii) to provide boat support, logistics and safety cover for all sea cave survey activities.
|
Wales, Summer 2005
 |
Autumn saw the completion of the diving monitoring work in Wales on behalf of CCW. The two-year project achieved all of its aims and the protocols developed, should provide a good platform on which to base Wales' next 5-year monitoring programme starting in 2006. A highlight of the Summer's work was our diving of the Smalls off the Pembrokeshire coast; fabulous underwater visibility, spectacular drop-offs and a very tame seal population.
|
British Isles, Summer 2005
 |
Bill led a staff team in support of Noble-Caledonia's MV Island Sky and MV Explorer expedition cruises around the British Isles. Concentrating on the more remote islands around our coasts, the teamıs knowledge of the marine environment, local history and archaeology proved a valuable asset to the cruises. |
Indian Ocean, Spring 2005
 |
Our contract with Noble Caledonia Limited continued in 2005, with further work as naturalists and Zodiac drivers aboard MV Island Sky. The cruise included a visit to Aldabra, the world's largest coral atoll. A UNESCO World Natural Heritage Site, it supports huge colonies of breeding seabirds and the famous giant tortoises.
|
Indian Ocean, November 2004
 |
Furthering Pelagial's overseas work, Mark completed a two week consultancy with Noble Caledonia Ltd providing boat and logistic support to the MV Island Sky on an expedition cruise from Mauritius to the Seychelles via Madagascar. Further work with Noble Caledonia has been secured for February and March 2005.
|
|
Tanzania, November 2004
 |
Damon made a welcome return to Africa in November in order to train rangers from Mafia Island Marine Park in Tanzania in a variety of boat handling skills. Despite a few organisational hiccups, the trip went well and further training courses are being planned for 2005. The courses used the excellent facilities offered by
ECO2 at Mikindani Bay.
|
|
Royal Geographical Society, Explore 2004
 |
At this year's gathering of British explorers and would-be explorers, Pelagial were invited to chair the marine workshop panel. The annual Explore conferences aims to provide advice, inspiration and useful contacts for anyone planning an expedition to far flung parts of the World.
|
|
Wales, Summer 2004
 |
September marked the end of the first year's fieldwork season for Countryside Council for Wales and the halfway point of our two year contract to establish a monitoring programme for the Welsh marine Special Areas of Conservation. A presentation of the summer's work was made at a workshop in Aberystwyth in December.
|
We look forward to another action-packed diving programme in Wales next year.
|
Moving Office
 |
Pelagial has moved to a new office at Trinity Buoy Wharf in the heart of
London's docklands. Directly across the Thames from the Millenium Dome, it
is the site of London's only lighthouse. The lighthouse is currently home
to the amazing
"Longplayer" - a 1000 year
long piece of music.
|
The Wharf is probably most famous as the site of the
offices and workshop of
Michael Faraday (1836-1865) - the renowned science communicator and inventor of the electric motor.
Visitors to the Wharf can sample the culinary delights of "Fatboy's Diner" - a genuine 1940's American diner shipped over from New York.
|
New contract with CCW
 | | |
Pelagial has been awarded a major contract by CCW. We will be working in
collaboration with Sea-Scope to establish a marine monitoring schedule for
marine SACs (Special Areas of Conservation) around the Welsh coast. The
project will involve extensive SCUBA survey work between April 2004 and
February 2006. For more information on SAC's: www.ukmarinesac.org.uk
|
NEW member of the team!!!
 |
Bill Nandris has just become the proud father of a beautiful baby girl,
Maia was born on the 21st January 2004. Karin and little-one both doing well. Bill
now has to divide TLC time between the Pelagial fleet and home!
|
Boat Handling for Anglers
We are proud to announce a new boat handling course designed specifically
with the freshwater and sea loch angler in mind. The course has been
developed in conjunction with well-known London-based fisherman, fishing
guide and tackle shop owner, Mr Hugh O'Reilly. The day long course will
provide the angler with the skills neccessary to make his or her next
boating trip a safe and enjoyable one. Download our announcement or contact
Hugh or ourselves for further details.
Hugh O'Reilly
Sharpe's of Aberdeen, 67a York Street, London, W1H 1QB
Tel: 020 7258 1233
Email: info@oreillysfishing.com
Website: www.oreillysfishing.co.uk
Royal Geographical Society
EXPLORE 2003 - the 27th Annual Expedition Planning Seminar
Saturday and Sunday 22 & 23 November 2003
Damon Stanwell-Smith was on the "Underwater and Marine" workshop
panel at EXPLORE 2003
This key event of the RGS-IBG year consisted of
lectures, workshops and exhibitors covering every aspect of expedition planning
in a variety of environments. With over 100 of Europe's leading field
scientists, explorers and experts to help you with anything from
fundraising, medical matters, insurance, logistics, communication, mapping,
project management to working and living in the rainforest, polar, marine,
desert and mountains or driving overland through them all!
EXPLORE 2003 website: www.rgs.org/explore
Southampton Boat Show 2003
Many thanks to all of you who visited us at the Show. "Pelican", our
Offshore 6.8m RIB took pride of place on the Ribcraft stand and developed a
great deal of interest from both show visitors and exhibitors alike. The
vessel will be in the water in early October and charter bookings are
currently being taken.
The show website: www.southamptonboatshow.com
|
|
|
|
