OASIS
The OASIS project is investigating ‘Offshore Aggregates and Species Inhabiting historic Shipwrecks’. Our aim is to demonstrate the importance of the marine environment as a whole, highlighting the inter-dependence of seabed deposits, sea life and historic shipwrecks. The marine areas around the Isle of Wight are among some of the most important sand and gravel extraction areas in UK waters. Alongside, on and within these natural resources exist the traces of cultural heritage with evidence of early human occupation and shipwrecks. The wrecks now form reefs which are teeming with marine life.
The wreck of Borgny is teeming with marine life
The project focuses on wreck sites in the West Wight area including Borgny, Fenna and War Knight. Diving took place on these artificial habitats to record the marine life living on them. The information was used for the Marine Week event held at Fort Victoria and is being used for for travelling displays and in the Maritime Heritage Centre.
This project was funded by The Wildlife Trusts South East Marine Programme and English Nature through DEFRA's Aggregate Levy Sustainability Fund.
The travelling display with the OASIS panels