News
The Shark Trust launches Christmas Appeal
The Shark Trust launches Christmas Appeal to raise funds to boost their vital work into 2019.
The recent headline in The Guardian ‘Stop biodiversity loss or face our own extinction, warns the UN’ highlighted the need to progress action quicker and that the window of opportunity to stop biodiversity loss is narrowing. There are over 1100 shark, skate and ray species and sadly a ¼ of these are now threatened with extinction.
For over 20 years the Shark Trust has been actively working to safeguard the future of sharks, skates and rays and they’ve achieved great things. Whether protecting vulnerable species, ending the finning of sharks, working to transform shark fisheries or leading future conservation action, the Trust are proud to be at the cutting edge of change that will shape the future of the oceans. For the better.
But there’s always more to do and 2019 looks like being another challenging year for shark conservation. The Christmas appeal will help raise vital funds to help the Shark Trust get 2019 off to a flying start.
Heather Carstens, Fundraising and Engagement Officer said “We (Shark Trust) believe collaboration and partnership is vital to safeguarding shark populations around the world. This isn’t just important with Stakeholder and Governments but it’s also important with members of the public. They might be a supporter; member; champion; advocate or fundraiser. They make our work happen and this Christmas we’re asking people to make a donation, however big or small and help us to continue to do more for sharks”
In the first 3 days after the launch of the Christmas Appeal, Donations reached £1,700 meaning that 17% of the target was hit.
Paul Cox, Managing Director said “We’re constantly overwhelmed by the enthusiasm shown for the work of the Shark Trust. Our supporters have helped make shark conservation what it is today. But we need to do more. We need to make more of a positive change, for sharks, for oceans, for future generations. By supporting our appeal this Christmas your donation will directly help shark conservation. Our team prides themselves in their work and work tirelessly to achieve a positive outcome. Be part of this change and donate now”
If you would like to donate to their Christmas Appeal text SHRK18 to 70070 or visit www.sharktrust.org/xmas
This Christmas will you add sharks to your gift list?
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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