In the salvaging of a wreck endangered by ghost gear, there is no paying client. The divers’ reward is a job well done, and the shots of a cleared wreck like the Vale of Leven are their only currency. Johnson turns the boat towards shore, the best kind of tiredness setting in among the crew as they pack up the gear and return it to its stowed location on the boat.

How wonderful to think that the work which will be counted as a success at the end of the day was carried out by volunteers and funded by people who believe in the importance of our seas. If you look carefully, there are signs of hope under the water, but it does little good if we can’t see them.

About the author

Ruby Mitchell

View author’s profile

Sustainability