The Bright Future of Scientific Diving in Finland – Edd Stockdale

April 22–23.2023 the Paarlasti room in Suomenlinna was filled with diving enthusiasts and science professionals interested in citizen science for a seminar organised by the Finnish Divers' Federation and the Finnish Maritime Archaeological Society.

Diving for research and conservation has taken a new direction in Finland. The formation of the Finnish Scientific Diving Academy, to develop and offer new opportunities in training has been vital to this, in conjunction with a growing recognition for the need of scientific divers. Advancements in technological applications also increase the quality of data collected and with the regulations and training options available they are a key area of the growing future. The term scientific diving though encompasses many levels where data collection underwater is carried out from occupational scientists to the general diving community. Edd discussed different opportunities both for training and projects using diving, the different levels within scientific diving and the growing possibilities in the field today.