News
Rodney Fox to speak at this year’s Fins Attached Marine Research and Conservation annual fundraiser
Fins Attached, a US-based organisation that conducts research, promotes conservation, and provides education for the protection of the world’s marine ecosystem, has announced that World-famous shark attack survivor, film-maker and leading conservationist Rodney Fox will be the guest speaker at its annual marine research and conservation fundraiser this year.
Fox was viciously attacked around the chest and hand by a great white shark during a spearfishing competition in 1963, and suffered near fatal wounds which required extensive surgery and 462 stitches. 2013 marked the 50th anniversary of the gruesome shark attack at Aldinga Beach in South Australia.
Rodney, who was born in South Australia on the 9th November 1940 and is married with three children and seven grandchildren, has become one of the world’s most prominent campaigners to protect one of the most feared predators – the great white shark.
Rodney developed the first underwater shark proof observation cage to explore the natural wonders of the great white shark. He has organised dozens of expeditions for tourists and led trips to make over 60 films and documentaries featuring great white sharks and other Australian sea creatures. Today, the cage is paramount in obtaining footage for Hollywood blockbusters, research, photography and providing tourists with the ultimate shark experience where they can get up close to the species.
Rodney is currently a speaker on the world stage educating swimmers and divers about the great white shark. He is also an experienced actor, film producer, photographer, consultant, expedition guide and professional diver. The Rodney Fox Shark Experience – a shark museum – is behind a unique collection of shark memorabilia, which is currently part of a world tour called “Planet Shark – Predator or Prey.”
The Fox Shark Research Foundation has also been established to inspire the appreciation and understanding of great white sharks through research and education. The latest documentary on Rodney’s 50 years with sharks is under production and his book “Seven Tenth’s Water – Sharks, The Sea and Me,” was released in Australia in November 2013.
The event will take place from 4pm – 7pm on Saturday 15th November 2014 at the Denver Art Museum in Denver, Colorado in the US. You can find out more about the event and how to get tickets here.
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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