Goldthorpe-based Dearne Valley Divers are off to the Inner Hebrides this summer for an exciting scientific expedition to study a school of Scottish tope sharks.

A team of 20 snorkellers and scuba divers from Dearne Valley Divers, a local branch of the British Sub-Aqua Club, will travel to the remote Hebridean island of Tiree in August to look at the behaviour of these critically endangered sharks.

Tope sharks are currently facing significant threats due to overfishing and habitat pressures. With their long, slender bodies and distinctive notched tail, the migratory species head back to UK waters in the summer to breed. Despite their importance to marine ecosystems, much remains unknown about their schooling patterns.

Having consulted with leading conservation and research organisations, including Shark Trust, NatureScot, and Edinburgh Napier University, the Dearne Valley team will conduct a series of dives throughout August. The divers will be assisting these organisations by documenting shark sightings, obtaining water and temperature samples, and deploying recording equipment to monitor behaviour.

Findings from the expedition will contribute to a deeper understanding of the tope shark population and their behaviour in UK waters, help inform future protection measures, and promote public awareness of marine conservation issues.

“This expedition represents an incredible opportunity not only for our club members to take part in meaningful scientific research, but also to raise awareness about the urgent need to protect these remarkable animals,” said Tony Hinchcliffe, chair of Dearne Valley Divers. “It’s great that our divers can add an additional facet to the research of such respected organisations and contributing to vital conservation work.”

As an added distinction, the expedition has been accepted into this year’s prestigious BSAC Heinke Trophy competition which recognises excellence in UK scuba diving clubs.

Dearne Valley Divers also hopes this initiative will inspire other divers and organisations in joining its branch to engage in citizen science and play an active role in protecting the UK’s marine biodiversity.

The club meets every Monday evening at Dearneside Leisure Centre, with members ranging in age from children up to pensioners. They are one of several internationally recognised organisations for teaching and promoting scuba diving and related activities. 

For more information visit www.dearnevalleydivers.org.uk