News
When OceanPositive met Ghostfishing
A small but historic meeting took place at the Dusseldorf Boot Show earlier this year.
After ‘virtually’ working together for several years, Pascal van Erp of Ghostfishing.org met with Jim Standing from Fourth Element on Tuesday 26th January 2016. The catalyst that initially brought them together in 2013, and then introduced them in real-life in 2016 was The Underwater Marketing Company’s Rosemary E Lunn (aka Roz).
“From a young age I had been brought up to recycle and respect the environment,” stated Roz. “So when I heard Pascal talk at a European diving conference about the ghost fishing project, including how the recovered fishing gear is recycled into usable, knittable nylon, I was hooked. I instantly knew that this project would also jibe with Fourth Element‘s ethos. They are as engaged with the environment as I am – both our companies know how important it is to recycle, reuse and reduce.
As soon as I could, I briefed Jim Standing, knowing that he and Paul Strike had the vision and knowledge to create something rather lovely and useful, whilst closing the ‘grave to cradle’ circle. Little did I realise that one phone call would result in the genesis of OceanPositive.
I was incredibly lucky to meet with Dr Sylvia Earle at the 2014 DEMA Show and talk to her about OceanPositive. When I was subsequently able to introduce her to Jim Standing and show her the OceanPositive range, it was a momentous moment because this clothing range is very close to my heart.
Jim Standing and Dr Sylvia Earle
I spend my professional life putting people and businesses together. It is rather like doing a jigsaw puzzle, joining two seemingly random pieces together to make a proper picture. I can see a product, service or person and know who the matching right person is in the diving industry. I have found watching OceanPositive evolve and grow utterly fascinating. It was therefore very special introducing Pascal to Jim in person for the first time.”
Find out more about Roz and the work that she does at The Underwater Marketing Company Blog.
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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