News
Celebrate World Oceans Day at Florida Keys’ Second Annual ‘Coralpalooza’
In recognition of World Oceans Day, Key Largo’s Coral Restoration Foundation is hosting its second annual Coralpalooza, inviting volunteer recreational divers to assist in promoting ocean preservation on Friday and Saturday, June 3-4.
Participants must be certified divers. Hands-on dive activities include helping Coral Restoration Foundation staff and interns in underwater coral nurseries, out-planting corals to Upper Keys reefs or monitoring the wellness of corals in existing colonies.
On Friday, June 3, an afternoon training session is to be held at the Murray Nelson Government and Cultural Center in Key Largo with a presentation and hands-on training.
On Saturday, June 4, participants are to meet their assigned dive groups at a predetermined dive shop location in either Islamorada or Key Largo.
Team leaders are to be assigned as guides and individuals are to be assigned to groups on registration. If members of a group wish to dive together, efforts will be made to accommodate their request but it is not guaranteed. Early registration is encouraged as spaces are limited.
Participation in Coralpalooza is free, although donations are welcomed and important to CRF’s efforts in restoring reefs.
Coralpalooza helps raise awareness about World Oceans Day, recognized internationally on June 8 each year, as well as the importance of the restoration, preservation and conservation of the continental United States’ only living coral barrier reef that parallels the Florida Keys.
For more details contact CRF’s marketing director, Mari Backus, at +1 305-453-7030 or visit www.coralrestoration.org/
Over 1,000 divers participate in the CRF recreational dive programs every year. In 2015, CRF’s restoration efforts resulted in over 22,500 corals out-planted along Florida Keys reefs. These successful out-plantings were made possible by the development of effective and simple coral growth and out-planting methods, two important elements of the CRF mission.
To learn more or become a volunteer, visit www.coralrestoration.org and www.facebook.com/
Last Thursday, Oyster Diving transformed Mercers Lake into a hauntingly unforgettable underwater realm for their inaugural Halloween Scuba Party. Approximately 20 intrepid divers plunged into the darkness, weaving through a mesmerising scene of spectral decorations, glow sticks, and eerie underwater pumpkins.
After the thrilling night dive, participants gathered to feast on a ghoulish spread of pumpkin soup, chilli con carne, and decadent fudge brownies, perfect fuel for the frightful festivities.
With a resounding success, Oyster Diving is excited to announce plans for this event to become an annual tradition. Next year, look forward to a fully licensed bar and live music, promising an even spookier celebration under the moonlit waters.
Join us next Halloween for an experience that promises to be a haunting delight!
Find out more about Oyster Diving at oysterdiving.com.
After a two-year tour of UK art galleries, community spaces and aquariums, the Shark Trust’s acclaimed Oceanic31 exhibition takes its final bow at the Royal Geographical Society later this month. And the unique collection of artwork, depicting 31 species of oceanic sharks and rays, donated by 31 artists, is now open for bids from art lovers and shark enthusiasts. The online auction, launched today, will close on the 7th December at 8pm (BST). The money raised will support the Shark Trust Oceanics Programme.
People can now bid on 27 of the artworks by visiting this website:
https://superstars-auctions.com/sharktrustauction
It is a chance to own a beautiful piece of original art and to support the Shark Trust. The timing of the auction also means that these would make a very special Christmas gift for any shark-lover.
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- Bigeye Thresher Shark by Janina Rossiter
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- Carcharodon carcharias by Jimmy Higgs
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- Croc VR 2030 by Tom Mead
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- Oceanic Whitetip by ATM
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- Silky Street by ScapaJoe
The diversity of pieces mirrors that of the sharks and rays they represent. You can bid on paintings, digital creations, sculptures, mixed media and more. You can pick your favourite artist or species of shark. Or you can select the perfect artwork to make a statement in your home or office. Whichever you choose, you will be supporting the work to protect these amazing animals.
One of the pieces of art has been selected to be auctioned live by Steve Backshall at the For the Love of Sharks event at the Royal Geographical Society in London on the 29th November. In addition to this, two further pieces will be raffled at this event, giving people a chance to win an incredible piece of shark art. For the Love of Sharks is the Shark Trust’s flagship evening. A night to celebrate sharks. Steve Backshall is the headline speaker at this event that will see other prominent shark advocates join him on stage.
Tickets for the event can be snapped up here:
https://thesharktrust.org.uk/Event/flos24
Those that would like to see the Oceanic 31 exhibition have one final chance. It is being displayed at the Pavilion at the Royal Geographic Society from 26th November until the 7th December. Entry is free.
Find out more here:
https://www.rgs.org/events/upcoming-events/oceanic-31
Paul Cox, Shark Trust CEO, Said “This exhibition has given us the opportunity to reach out to a new audience. And inspire more people with the wonderful sharks and rays on which our Big Shark Pledge campaign is based. We are immensely grateful to the 31 artists who have worked so hard to create these works.”
Bid for your favourite Oceanic 31 artwork here:
https://superstars-auctions.com/sharktrustauction
Banner Image: Smooth Hammerhead by Alicia Hayden
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