News
New Report Shows Most Countries are Falling Short on Commitments to Protect Sharks and Rays
Shark Advocates International (SAI) have released Sharks Ahead, a report revealing countries are falling short on their obligations to protect shark and ray species through the Convention on Migratory Species (CMS). The Shark Trust, Project AWARE, and Defenders of Wildlife collaborate with SAI in efforts to promote proper implementation of these conservation commitments and have endorsed the SAI report. Shark experts from these organizations offer the following statements about the report’s findings:
“We are particularly concerned about the lack of progress to safeguard vulnerable shortfin makos from overfishing,” said Ali Hood, Director of Conservation for the Shark Trust. “Ten years after their listing on CMS Appendix II, this highly migratory shark is still not subject to any international fishing quotas or even basic limits in the country that lands the most: Spain. We call on the European Commission to take action later this month — when they set quotas for scores of other commercially valuable species – and ban the landing of North Atlantic shortfin mako, as advised by scientists.”
“Manta rays are exceptional for their inherent vulnerability, their status as species to be strictly protected by CMS Parties, and their popularity with tourists,” said Ian Campbell, Project AWARE’s Associate Director of Policy. “Unfortunately, manta rays continue to be legally fished in countries that have also committed to protect them and could support marine ecotourism. Countries such as the Seychelles benefit economically from manta-based tourism yet could do much more to develop national protection measures for mantas as part of their ‘blue economy’ development strategies.”
“This report underscores our long-term frustration with continued fishing of endangered hammerheads,” said Alejandra Goyenechea, Senior International Counsel for Defenders of Wildlife. “We urge Costa Rica to collaborate with the US and EU on efforts to establish regional hammerhead safeguards for the eastern tropical Pacific and call them to join Panama and Honduras to fulfil their commitments for all migratory sharks and rays listed under CMS.”
For more information about the charities behind this please follow the links:
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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