News
RAID’s Col McKenzie Announced As World Environment Day Awards Finalist
The Association of Marine Park Tourism Operators (AMPTO) has informed RAID that one of their Executive Directors, Mr Col McKenzie – also of RAID Asia – has been selected in the United Nations Association of Australia World Environment Day Awards in the Individual Category.
Mr McKenzie is one of four finalists in the Individual Category which recognises significant environmental achievement over many years. “Mr McKenzie has been the driving force behind the Crown of Thorns Starfish (COTS) since 1998 and has successfully lobbied for millions of dollars to help control the pest and to protect the Great Barrier Reef (GBR),” said Mr Baker, the Chair of AMPTO. The Crown of Thorns has contributed to approximately 50% of the live coral loss on the GBR and not only reduce the live coral, but also effect the whole coral ecosystem. Mr McKenzie was working effectively in this space for years before becoming the Executive Director of AMPTO and he has a history of environmental activity. He has worked very hard on environmental issues over many years.”
Mr McKenzie’s consulting company, Gempearl, was also one of the first companies in Far North Queensland to be carbon neutral. He was one of just a handful of Far North Queensland people to do the Al Gore “An Inconvenient Truth” presentation training and did presentations in Victoria, South Australia and Queensland.
During the rezoning of the GBR 12 years ago, Mr McKenzie was the marine tourism industry’s public face and even received death threats for taking the stance that increasing the “no-take” zones from 4.7% to 33% was the right thing to do. Furthermore, last year Mr McKenzie headed up the court challenge by the marine tourism industry against the dumping of dredge spoil on the GBR. Legislation was passed only this month in the Australian Federal Parliament to stop dredge spoil dumping.
The health of the GBR has been much maligned in the last 12 months and it is the activities of people like Mr McKenzie that will help determine the GBR’s future and ongoing health.
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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