News
It’s Sharkfest 2016 tomorrow!
The UK’s first ever Sharkfest takes place tomorrow, Saturday 24th September.
The all day festival at the M-Shed in Bristol, which Scubaverse covered in May following the festival’s initial announcement by hosts Fin Fighters, brings together some of the leading lights in the world of shark and ray conservation and research to celebrate some of the world’s most misunderstood creatures.
The Shark Trust, The Manta Trust, LAMAVE Project Philippines and Sharks4Kids are among the many shark and ray conservation organisations attending, while a wealth of other influential environmentalists including; Surfers Against Sewage, Wise Oceans and the Marine Conservation Society will be there to share their work.
But that’s not all – the fish filled day will be painted with the work of artists, clothing makers, underwater photographers and film makers; with over 40 stalls, the day has something for everyone.
Activities include a masterclass from Frogfish Photography, a citizen shark science workshop with Fin Fighters and the screening of David Diley’s award winning documentary film ‘Of Shark & Man’, followed by a question and answer session with David himself. One of the makers of the recent hit BBC documentary series, Shark, will also be there to give a talk, along with many other speeches from experts and representatives throughout the day.
Catering for shark lovers, conservationists, surfers, kids and those with curiosity, SharkFest 2016 is set to be a day that if you’re in the area and free, you’d be crazy to miss.
Tickets can be purchased on the Fin Fighters website or on their Generosity page for $14 USD (£10 GBP) or $26 for two. Children under 16 go free. Further ticket and festival t-shirt combos can also be found by aforementioned link.
For any other inquiries, email info@finfighters.org.
Full line up: The Shark Trust, Fin Fighters, The Manta Trust, Shark Guardian, Marine Conservation Society, Large Marine Vertebrates Project Philippines, The Gills Club, Frogfish Photography, Sharks 4 Kids, The Black Fish, Surfers Against Sewage, Wise Oceans, Institute of Zoology, David Diley (Of Shark & Man), Jennie Hammond from BBC Shark, The Marine Biological Association, SKYODD, Sharks Teeth Limited, Shark Jewellery by DZN, Oh! Dakuwaqa Comics, Salt Water Life, Basking Shark Scotland, Incredible Oceans, Blue Planet Aquarium, Honolulu, Sharkstuff, Love the Oceans, Becky Jackson Design.
Here are the speaker presentation times:
Photo: Frogfish Photography
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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