After a very uncertain year, we had hoped for some security in our plans to go to Phuket this summer, but that was not the case. Having already begun fundraising, applying for grants, and organising dive training, the last few months of 2020 were looking up for our team. With our research based on the impact of divers on coral health and fish behaviour, we were all very excited.
But of course, the pandemic interfered.
Considering the team's safety surrounding COVID-19, the difficult task of travelling internationally, and the fact that many of our team were struggling to get their diving qualifications in time, we made the decision to postpone our plans to conduct research in Phuket.
However, this was not going to stop us.
After much deliberation and planning, we have decided to conduct our research along Scotland's west coast. This took the pressure off our team to rush their diving qualifications and is safer for everyone involved as it requires little travelling. Although not as warm as Thailand, Scotland's coasts offer a range of important habits that house diverse marine life. We will centre our research this year on the impacts of seaweed farms on their surrounding environment, aiming to work closely with local farmers.
As you can imagine, one thing our team has learnt this year is that flexibility is key. Although we initially planned to be based around Loch Sween, we are now looking into working around Oban. As we continue to be flexible and respond to the latest government advice surrounding the pandemic, our plans may change, but we have every intention of conducting our research this summer and making sure it is to the highest standard without compromising the safety of our team or the people we work with.
Over the next few weeks, we will be updating our project information page with everything you could ever want to know about our research plans, as well as team introductions and some information on Scotland's marine life. On top of all that, we will aim to blog regularly about fundraising, progress, and ambitions for our time on the west coast.
The team is very excited to learn more about the abundant marine life on our doorstep and get to know the west coast. As seaweed provides environmentally-friendly alternatives within many industries, we are so thrilled to be part of its gain in popularity in the western world.
We can't wait to see you at our future fundraising events:
Virtual Bake-Along, Sunday 28th March at 2pm
Virtual Pub Quiz, Thursday 8th April at 6pm
Stay tuned,
The Seaweed Team :)
(aka The Thailand Team 2021)
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