50 50 Report from Jersey Marine Conservation
22/02/2022
Dear Marie and the AJC Committee
We are very grateful to the AJC Committee for the 50 50 Award. The £10,000 has made a massive difference to what we have been able to achieve in 2021. Although funds in our account may appear healthy, 80% is constrained to the specific tasks.
Our Education program is in massive demand by schools and community groups. Organising and running the event is time consuming and the events are volunteer heavy. Like many charities, we cannot get sufficient or consistent volunteers with the knowledge or communication skills, to carry out what are quite specific tasks. The arrangements (and the majority of the associated tasks) have been carried out by the Chairman.
With the £10,000, we had the funds to cover an education officer and assistants for the remaining part of 2021. (This totaled £7,600). Additionally, we were able to carry out modifications to the rib that will help with the 2022 towed camera and baited remote video operations. A ladder will also be fitted that will enable us to get divers back on board more quickly and safely when in difficult waters like Corbiére (where a lot of the Pink Seafan surveys have been undertaken). These modifications will total £4000.
Beginning in April, we will carry out a university supported, seagrass restoration study for St Catherine’s including the facility to engage educationally with schools, in the study, so will help us to continue long-term to support the awareness program. However, it is still a long way short of what will be required.
Thank you once again for all your help.
Kindest regards
Kevin McIlwee, Chairman, Jersey Marine Conservation
