News
Project AWARE suggests 4 ways divers can celebrate Discovery’s first-ever Shweekend
This July, Discovery Channel’s Shark Week returned bigger than ever before, making a splash as the highest-rated Shark Week in the event’s 28 year history.
And because viewers can’t get enough of all things shark, for the first time ever, Discovery is introducing “Shweekend“, a special weekend of all-new Shark Week programming on Saturday, August 29 and Sunday, August 30.
Shweekend will feature four all-new Shark Week programs throughout the weekend, delivering even more compelling and jaw-dropping shark stories and never-before-seen shark technology.
For scuba divers and passionate shark advocates, Shweekend offers another opportunity to make a splash for sharks and show that divers are serious about shark and ray protection.
Sharks are suffering from a bad image – one that Project AWARE battles not only during Shark Week but throughout the year. This bad image often hinders shark conservation efforts.
Raising funds, dispelling myths and misconceptions about sharks, and rallying public support to secure meaningful conservation measures is critical.
4 Ways to Celebrate #Shweekend, August 29-30:
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Support a #Finathon Team/Champion or start your own Finathon challenge today.
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Become a Shark Ambassador: Take or teach the AWARE Shark Conservation Diver Distinctive Specialty
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Show off your love for sharks by replacing your PADI card with a limited edition shark or ray Project AWARE card
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Secure a brighter future for sharks and rays with a donation
While mass education and media programming about these mysterious and magnificent creatures is a critical component to shark survival, it can be a double-edge sword when it comes to conservation.
An important step toward gaining improved protection for sharks is to raise the public’s awareness of the plight of sharks and engage people in shark conservation activities. Activities such as a Finathon or the AWARE Shark Conservation Diver Specialty have the power to turn divers into shark ambassadors and real shark fans during Shark Week, Shweekend and every week!
Celebrate Discovery Channel’s first-ever Shweekend by taking actions that will help Project AWARE continue the fight to save sharks and rays in peril. Together, we can protect sharks and rays!
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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