News
Dr Sylvia Earle raises “largest dive flag in the universe”
On Friday 11th December 2015 Dr Sylvia Earle arrived at the Cozumel Scubafest event and one of her first official duties was to raise a huge dive flag, thought to be the largest in the world, at a ceremony on the island of Cozumel. A large crowd turned up at the Plaza Civica, Puerto de Abrigo to watch as the giant red & white flag was unfurled and then raised up into the blue sky. Measuring over 5m in length, the Cozumel Scubafest organisers believe it to be the largest ever raised and so Dr. Earle re-named it the “largest dive flag in the universe.” Along with Sylvia Earle, Jean-Michel Cousteau and several local dignitaries were on hand to assist with proceedings.
Dr. Sylvia Earle is a renowned marine biologist, and is now an ocean ambassador, who travels the world to try to spread the message that the oceans need our help; and they need it now! During the Cozumel Scubafest event, she spoke about the need to make better food choices and called on divers to spread the word that we cannot keep consuming fish if we want our oceans to recover and survive.
Jean-Michel Cousteau is a long standing friend of the island, and people, of Cozumel. He and his father (Jacques Cousteau) were smitten with the reef system that surrounds this island, along with the abundant wildlife that this reef supports, and he now attends the Scubafest event each year. Divers from around the world who came to the 2015 Cozumel Scubafest dived the Scubafest Jean-Michel Cousteau Route, which are the hand-picked 9 favourite reefs of the Cousteau family, as part of their dive package. As well as the great diving, those attending the 4 day event were treated to talks on a range of topics each evening, show stands, nightly social events and a gala dinner. The topics covered marine research, cave exploration, dive medicine and other diving subjects.
The enormous dive flag that now flies in the Cozumel sky is a symbol of the commitment of the people of Cozumel to protect the reef around this beautiful island for divers now and for all the generations of divers to come. It is a stunning symbol that flies high for all to see.
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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