BURSTLangford diver Ryan Swan started his Be Sea Adventures channel on YouTube for myriad reasons. At the top of the list are education and conservation. The latest video focuses on a cleanup of the Salish Sea near Sidney.
The waters between two piers at the base of Beacon Avenue became the focus this year. On Oct. 4, a team of volunteer divers and community partners did a permitted ghost gear cleanup, removing roughly 250 kilograms of abandoned crab traps, nets, rope, cable and line from the water.
“I know this project’s impact in the ocean is small by comparison to how much ghost gear is lost in the ocean every year. But hopefully our story brings more attention and awareness on the issue,” Swan said.
The early October efforts of multiple divers and organizations are documented with a video on the Be Sea Adventures channel.
“I’ve also included some quiz questions on ghost gear throughout the video to make it fun, educational, and engaging. It’s a newer YouTube feature, and the first time I tried it, so hopefully it works out,” Swan said.
The South Island diver has previously drawn attention to the rare ancient cloud sponges in the Saanich Inlet. There are a few places in B.C. to see cloud sponges – a species of glass sponge known as aphrocallistes vastus – organisms built from silica, forming intricate skeletons made of microscopic glass-like structures called spicules. He upped his diving game to reach them, then documented the entire process – creating a video equal parts technical training journey, tech-diving adventure, and underwater exploration.
He hopes the underwater adventures, shared widely online, inspire a protective nature in waterway users.
About the Author: Christine van Reeuwyk
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