There are strange and otherworldly creatures at the bottom of the sea. In this episode we meet some of the intrepid divers exploring the depths of Carlingford Lough, hearing about both the wonders and horrors of what they have seen there. It turns out there is an abundance of life, from crabs and anemones to dolphins and seals, but also worrying issues that need to be tackled, including pollution, biodiversity loss, and warming seas. Divers are in a unique position to observe and study undersea environments, and we learn how some of our guests are leading citizen science programs beneath the waves, as well as hearing about their conservation ambitions for Carlingford Lough. It is also important to find ways of sharing their findings with those who don’t have such unique access to our waters, and this is something that can take a dash of creative inspiration.
Dain McParland is a seasoned scuba diving professional with over 15 years of experience in scientific diving, dive safety, and instruction, and more than 3,000 dives. As the owner of Oceanauts Diving in County Down, Northern Ireland, Dain is committed to delivering exceptional diving experiences and fostering a love for the ocean. With a degree in marine science, he combines his academic expertise with his passion for underwater exploration to promote marine conservation and educate others about the wonders of the underwater world.
Muirin Sneddon is an A-level student at Our Lady’s Grammar, studying environmental technology, geography, and art. Her artistic work is inspired by growing up on the shores of Carlingford Lough, and swimming and sailing in its waters. Her works include “The relationship between humanity and marine environments”, “The contrast in our Environment”, “The hidden roots of Ireland”, and “The reality of climate change”. Her creative works focus on the beauty of her local environment and how it is being affected by climate change and human activity. Her art consists of both textile and ceramic mediums, creating installations and wearable textile designs inspired by her home.
Eloisa Wainwright is a well-adapted scuba diver with almost a year of experience, having completed certifications within Oceanauts Diving, including safety training for above and below the water, guiding ocean dives, and deep ocean dives, whilst working alongside Dain McParland. She is committed to becoming a Dive Master and professional scuba diving instructor. Eloisa thrives on adventures and experiences underwater, being guided by her love of marine life. Eloisa aims to use her educational qualifications of A-level biology as well as her love for ocean life to study marine sciences and conservation further and to train and guide upcoming divers, educating them on the ocean she fell in love with.
Claire Casey is the Northern Ireland coordinator of SeaSearch, a citizen science project for divers and snorkelers, designed to gather data for marine research.