Diving for Marine Invasives
The new dive season brings new opportunities for diving exploration in our own backyard
By Peter Phippen (reported by Stephen J. Bigelow)
The warmer weather is finally taking hold, so it’s time for environmentalists to turn their attention to marine invasive species and the impact those species are having on local waters. This also means plenty of opportunities for recreational scuba divers to participate -- observing and reporting invasive species encroaching on the Merrimack River, the north end of Plum Island, and elsewhere in the Merrimack estuary.
Dive locations are all certainly well within the Open Water 1 recreational diving limit of 60 fsw and no specialized equipment is required. So any certified diver can participate within the limits of their own comfort and experience level. In addition, the diving schedule is extremely flexible. The dates and times for scheduled dives are all subject to the volunteers’ availability. It’s just a matter of getting interested divers together.
It’s easy to get started. Just email a note with your interest and availability to Peter Phippen at PPhippen@mvpc.org. And remember; if you’re unable to participate in investigative dives along the upper north shore this season, you can still send along reports any time via email (along with any photos if possible). This kind of information is still a valuable tool in understanding the types and scope of invasive species that we’re dealing with.
Not sure what you’re looking for? Fledgling ecologists can take a look at the Great Marsh Marine Invader Monitoring presentation given to the Metro West Dive Club in March of 2010. If you want more details about specific invasive species and what they look like, be sure to review the Aquatic Invasive Species ID Cards available for download online through the Massachusetts Office of Coastal Zone Management.
Join us for a Date @ 8 shore dive!
Join us for a weekly Date @ 8 shore dive. We meet at the Burger King on Rt.128 in Beverly every Saturday morning and head to one of Cape Ann's numerous dive sites for a dive or two. Dive sites are decided on the spot to accomodate the experience and skill levels of those who show up, and everyone is welcome - members and non-members alike. Please contact the coordinator (listed on the Date @ 8 page linked above) a day or two before Saturday if you'd like to join us, to make sure the group doesn't leave without you if you're running a little late.
Also, please note that during winter months we meet at 10am! See you there!
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Tuesday, Sept 14, 2010:
Please join us at 8:00pm at the Crowne Plaza in Natick.
Sometime during the mid-17th century, Nipmuc Indians living along the shores of Lake Quinsigamond constructed a dugout canoe, or mishoon. Soon after, that mishoon was then purposefully sunk in the lake. In 2000, nearly four hundred years later, a sport diver happened upon that sunken vessel. Subsequent dives led to the discovery of two additional mishoonash. All three vessels appear to purposefully sunk. One has been radio-carbon dated to 1640s. Previously, only one other dugout was archaeologically reported in Massachusetts. Since their discovery, these fragile mishoonash have been subjected to only limited in situ documentation. Volunteer divers working with the Nipmuc Nation and the Board of Underwater Archaeological Resources (BUAR) are creating photo-mosaics of these mishoonash. This presentation highlights their discovery, collaboration and documentation efforts, and future directions of this joint effort.
Victor T. Mastone is the director and chief archaeologist with the Massachusetts Board of Underwater Archaeological Resources. Vic has over 30 years of distinguished experience in terrestrial, underwater, prehistoric and historic archaeology concentrating mainly on eastern North America. He joined the state Board in 1987 as its first staff archaeologist and has served as its Director since 1990. In addition, Vic has served (and continues to serve) on numerous other archeological and maritime committees and organizations.
You can check out other upcoming and past speakers and presentations on our meetings page.
The MetroWest Dive Club (MWDC) is dedicated to promoting fun, safe diving, and introducing and familiarizing members with new dive sites. We are committed to encouraging good relations with our coastal neighbors through courtesy and good diving etiquette, and getting involved with community activities.
The MWDC is not affiliated with any retailer, vendor, or manufacturers. We are a large group of sport divers with a wide range of scuba diving interests. Club members can help direct you to the many training classes locally available.
MetroWest Dive Club meetings are held on the second Tuesday of each month at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Framingham. Meetings are free and guests are welcome, divers and non-divers alike. MWDC meetings start at 7:30 pm but members often meet socially at the bar from 6:30 to 7:30pm.