News
The coast and sea offer solace, even from far away
New study from the Marine Conservation Society finds benefits of being beside the sea are felt even when we’re far away
Even though our time outdoors and by the coast may be limited at the moment, research from the UK’s leading marine charity, the Marine Conservation Society (MCS) has shown that the coast can benefit us all, even when we’re far from it.
The charity’s study found over 70% of people agreed with the statement “I feel the benefit of time spent by the coast and sea even when I am away from it”. Most respondents agreed that the coast and sea’s effects are felt long after being beside it, an uplifting thought during these times of lockdown.
The MCS Our Blue Heart project sought to get to the very heart of what the sea really means to people in the UK. The research and resulting film reveal that, for many of us, the coast and sea play a unique and irreplaceable role in many areas of our lives. The data suggests a complex web of values and feelings, of the sea providing a sense of freedom, of escape, of connection to nature, accomplishment, fun, inspiration, creativity and spirituality.
Sue Ranger, Conservation Engagement and Education Manager said: “Throughout the myriad ways in which the coast and sea promote a sense of wellbeing, it is clear that the ocean is a uniting force which improves our sense of self and connection to others and the environment. This incredible resource deserves our respect and admiration.
“There has never been a more critical time for people, globally, to do what they can for our Blue Heart. From the research we have conducted to inform Our Blue Heart it is clear that supporting and protecting our ocean is crucial, not just to supporting the rich marine ecosystems below water, but also to safeguard the future wellbeing of those who live beside it.”
Interestingly, many respondents also agreed that the health of the sea itself played a part in their happiness. Of those who had visited the coast in the last year, 75% said they feel better just knowing that the coast and sea and all the plants and animals living there are thriving. This intrinsic link between the health of the ocean and our own happiness highlights how important it is for us to protect and safeguard the marine environment, even during these trying times.
Positive actions for the ocean you can take from home:
- Sign our petition to support bringing an end to microfibre pollution
- Care for your clothes and the environment with top tips from MCS
- Teach your children about the ocean, and maybe learn something yourself with MCS webinars
- Cut down on plastic and sign up for this year’s Plastic Challenge
Please find more information about the Marine Conservation Society’s Our Blue Heart project 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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