News
Sea Shepherd and Under The Skin team up for “Extinction Series” art prints
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.
Dive Worldwide has recently introduced Kenya to its portfolio of dive destinations, making it a new must-visit for divers. The company has chosen Temple Point Resort, located in Watamu, a small town on Kenya’s Indian Ocean Coast. The resort embodies the spirit of Kenya, with thatched roof buildings and bright white interiors, complemented with local art. The Creek Deluxe rooms enjoy a creek view and sunset vistas, whilst Boutique Garden rooms offer peace nestled in lush greenery.
An abundance of activities such as golf, stand up paddleboarding and kite surfing await those looking for action; while those in search of rejuvenation may partake in a range of yoga classes, or indulge in the spa. Spend evenings dining poolside dining or lazing in hammocks suspended over the creek; there is no detail missed at Temple Point.
The waters surrounding Temple Point Resort are bustling with life, however, there is also an opportunity to explore on dry land. Tsavo National Park is close enough for a day safari, allowing guests to double up on the wildlife experiences Kenya has to offer, from elephants to whale sharks.
Suggested Dive Itinerary: Dive and Discover Kenya
Embark on an adventure to one of Africa’s finest marine parks, Watamu, the first of its kind in the continent. Created in 1968, Watamu offers excellent diving and snorkelling for those of all experience levels. Lively coral reefs and the surrounding waters are home to over 1,000 species of fish, devil rays, mantas, whale sharks, dolphins and turtles.
DEAL: Stay 12 nights for the price of 10 at Temple Point Resort
Price: Dive and Discover Kenya now costs £2295pp, saving £150 per person. Including international flights from the UK, 12 nights’ B&B (for the price of 10), transfers, 5 days, 10 dive pack, tanks and weights. Based on travel in September ONLY. https://www.diveworldwide.com/trip-ideas/dive-discover-kenya#details
For more information visit: diveworldwide.com or call 01962 302 087
Over the next 12 months, specialist scuba holiday company Dive Worldwide will be supporting Bite-Back Shark & Marine Conservation with donations collected from client bookings to any one of its stunning dive destinations around the world. The independently-owned operator expects to raise £3000 for the UK charity.
Manager at Dive Worldwide, Phil North, said: “We’re especially excited to work with Bite-Back and support its intelligent, creative and results-driven campaigns to end the UK trade in shark products and prompt a change in attitudes to the ocean’s most maligned inhabitant.”
Bite-Back is running campaigns to hold the media to account on the way it reports shark news along with a brand new nationwide education programme. Last year the charity was credited for spearheading a UK ban on the import and export of shark fins.
Campaign director at Bite-Back, Graham Buckingham, said: “We’re enormously grateful to Dive Worldwide for choosing to support Bite-Back. The company’s commitment to conservation helps set it apart from other tour operators and we’re certain its clients admire and respect that policy. For us, the affiliation is huge and helps us look to the future with confidence we can deliver against key conservation programmes.”
To launch the fundraising initiative, Phil North presented Graham Buckingham with a cheque for £1,000.
Visit Dive Worldwide to discover its diverse range of international scuba adventures and visit Bite-Back to learn more about the charity’s campaigns.
MORE INFORMATION
Call Graham Buckingham on 07810 454 266 or email graham@bite-back.com
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