Endangered vaquita porpoise kicks off the four-part series

Sea Shepherd is teaming up with UK-based design duo Ed and James Harrison on their conservation project ‘Under the Skin,’ an art series specializing in limited-edition, interactive screen prints of endangered animals from across the globe. This new collaboration will celebrate some of the marine species that Sea Shepherd is tirelessly working to protect, as well as raise awareness of the threats these species face that are leading to their extinction.

Under the Skin prints are hand-crafted pieces of art with a powerful underlying message: under UV light, the phosphorescent skeleton of each animal is exposed, a reminder of all that remains when a species falls into the darkness of extinction. Since launching in 2015, Under the Skin prints are becoming known for this unique style, concept and process. Previous pieces have included prints of the Polar Bear, Sunda Pangolin, Forsten Tortoise, African Elephant and more. Twenty percent of Under The Skin’s proceeds go to organizations dedicated to protecting each species.

Sea Shepherd four-print collaboration

The inaugural print supporting Sea Shepherd’s work will be of the critically endangered vaquita porpoise. This print will be the first of four marine species in the exclusive “Ocean Warrior Series” created in partnership with Sea Shepherd. They will be released throughout 2018. Designed and printed by the Welsh-born Harrison siblings, Under The Skin prints are created in a limited-edition 40 prints per animal, each retailing for £265. Twenty percent of proceeds per print will go to four different Sea Shepherd campaigns directly helping the specific endangered animal. Each print comes wrapped in screen printed wrapping paper and is accompanied by a UV torch, a makers booklet showing the creation process, and a charity description card.

The vaquita porpoise is the smallest and most endangered marine mammal in the world. Endemic to Mexico’s Upper Gulf of California, also known as the Sea of Cortez. The tiny porpoise has garnered media attention in recent years due to its diminishing numbers as there are currently less than 30 in existence. Sea Shepherd has spent the last four years patrolling the Sea of Cortez as part of its Operation Milagro campaign where vessels patrol for poachers and find and remove illegal gillnets which trap and drown the vaquita, along with other marine wildlife.

You can find more information about Sea Shepherd’s Operation Milagro campaign here.

“When we heard from Sea Shepherd about the plight of the smallest porpoise in the world on the brink of extinction, we knew we had to start working on a print to raise awareness,” said James Harrison. “Sea Shepherd has been on the forefront of the movement to protect it, and without their four consecutive campaigns I’m sure this incredible animal would be extinct by now. We’re thrilled to be working with Sea Shepherd to join forces to do anything we can to save the vaquita before it’s too late.”

“My brother and I have long admired Captain Paul Watson and the organization he founded 40 years ago,” added Ed Harrison. “Working with him has been a dream come true and we’re looking forward to raising awareness for the species within the ‘Sea Shepherd series’ as a team.”

Prints are currently available to pre-order from the website at https://undertheskin.co.uk/shop/vaquita.