News
Help FinFighters make the UK shark fin & meat free
UK shark conservation organisation Fin Fighters have just launched a CrowdFunder and need your help! Fin Fighters, who organise the popular annual SharkFest event, is on a mission to end the sale of shark fin and meat in the UK by 2023. Funds will be used to finish the documentary ‘Finito’, host UK filming screenings and provide positive, collaborative action workshops for those in the seafood industry.
THE BACK STORY…
British people eating shark. It may not sound plausible. But it happens every day! British people eating endangered shark? Yes, that’s happening here too. In top end restaurants, at fishmongers, in chip shops. And it isn’t illegal.
Fin Fighters want to work with people catching, distributing and selling shark to:
1. Protect sharks, especially the Endangered ones
2. Protect people – they’ve tested shark for heavy metals – they are seriously bad for you!
3. Protect the oceans by making sure the top predators don’t become extinct
This isn’t a problem isolated to the UK, but the organisation is based in Bristol so are starting their UK and global movement there. The CrowdFunder aims to change things locally and inspire change nationally.
In return for pledges there are some SERIOUSLY SHARKY thank you packages and heaps of sharky treats up for grabs – wildlife tours, film premiere tickets, SharkFest tickets, shark jewellery, your name in the documentary credits and loads more! There’s a matchfunding race and if Fin Fighters raise £4k in time they can DOUBLE their funds.
Make your pledge and find out more at: http://www.crowdfunder.co.uk/uk-fin-free-by-2023
News
Spooktacular Underwater Adventure: Oyster Diving’s First Halloween Scuba Party at Mercers Lake
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.
Marine Life & Conservation
Shark Trust launches Oceanic 31 Shark Art Auction
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.
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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