Along the coast of Torbay there are several biological and geological sites of special scientific interest (SSSI's), as well as the first underwater nature reserve to be designated in the British isles way back in 1973.

Although records for these sites are present it is vital that they are maintain and updated in order to be able to monitor changes in species distribution and the effects of visitor pressure on the different habitats.

This is a new project initiated in April 2000 to raise awareness of Torbay's underwater local nature reserve at Saltern cove by the mapping and recording of the marine habitat and species. This project gives the opportunity for divers to get involved in practical marine conservation work and full training will be given in recording and sampling techniques. The information generated by this project will be used as the basis for Saltern cove conservation plan and will be used to provide background information for the future of green tourism initiative.

These survey areas include Middle Stone Goodrington Sands and Satlern Cove, with an 8 year plan currently being devised for the management of the whole of Torbay’s' marine environment.

Nigel Smallbones, the trusts coastal zone manger said no proper records of creatures and habitats at Saltern Cove have been done since 1973 ''Because it is a site of S.S.S.I. and underwater nature research we have an obligation to produce a management plan.

To find out exactly what is there and what the balance is of everything. There might not be a problem but if there is we can look at what use the area and to find a logical solution.

The project is expected to capture the imagination of divers all over Britain as divers from Fast Track - Training will be mapping and surveying the area. Also they aim to raise awareness among divers to regard these underwater reefs as part of our heritage.

As well as a conservation management plan being drawn up all the data will go to a central recording system linked to Devon Wildlife Trust and the Marine Conservation Society as part of a huge database on British Isles Marine Habitats called MERLIN.

Previous Surveys

Last year a survey identification seven important beds of rare Zostra eel grass in Torbay.
nursery ground for several species including seahorses.
The survey found that there are threats to these beds and further work has to be carried out on the solutions.