Marine Life & Conservation
Dr. Simon Pierce seeks global protection for Whalesharks
Dr. Simon Pierce, co-founder of the Marine Megafauna Foundation (MMF), has launched a new Patreon crowdfunding campaign to help create global protection for the Earth’s largest fish: the endangered whale shark.
Patrons will receive unprecedented access to Simon and MMF’s expert whale shark team’s work. They’ll receive private access to the team’s latest findings, long before they’re published. They’ll have the opportunity to join researchers in the field via live streams and regular updates, and have priority access to join expeditions to iconic locations such as the Galapagos Islands and Komodo National Park. Donors interested in supporting whale shark conservation can choose from the range of tiers available, starting from just $3 per month (tax deductible for US residents):
- PENGUINS ($3 or more per month): Full access to all updates, including live streams from the field, photos and videos, see the latest scientific results as they come in, and chat to the team directly about what they mean. Basically, you can watch and laugh as MMF scientists totally geek out.
- SEA TURTLES ($9 or more per month): Full access to updates (see above), and you get to adopt your very own whale shark! You’ll receive personalised updates when your shark is seen again.
- MANTA RAYS ($49 or more per month): Full access to updates, adopt your very own whale shark, and you’ll also get free access to a bunch of upcoming content!
- WHALE SHARKS ($99 or more per month): All of the above… and you’ll get to name a whale shark of your very own! The scientists will photo-identify your shark for you and you can choose its name. Sharky McSharkface? No judgement.
- ERM… DOUBLE WHALE SHARKS ($199 or more per month): Our highest-level supporters ($200+ per month) will ALSO get a personal acknowledgement – if you’re amenable – on the team’s scientific publications, which is rather prestigious.
Copyright Simon J Pierce
The new Patreon campaign offers a deeper way for people to invest in producing the science, education and conservation initiatives needed for whale sharks to recover.
Whale sharks, the world’s largest fish, can grow up to about 20 m (65 ft) in length and reach around 40 tons in weight. These plankton-feeders are totally harmless to humans and it’s possible to dive or swim with them in total safety. However, they are now a globally endangered species. Overfishing, accidental catches and ship strikes have killed more than half of the world’s whale sharks since the 1980s.
Copyright Clare Prebble
Simon and his team are working hard to help whale sharks recover. They collaborate with national governments to create and enforce effective protection for the species, partner with fishing communities to move towards sustainable fishing techniques, and promote best-practice ecotourism that benefits the sharks while also allowing people to swim with these gentle giants. The team have published 26 (and counting) scientific papers on whale shark biology, ecology and conservation, as well as innumerable articles for the interested public. They have extensive knowledge about how to help the species recover, but need support from the public to help them achieve their mission.
Dr. Simon Pierce, co-founder of the Marine Megafauna Foundation, said: “Our shark research and conservation work, underway since 2005, has been getting spectacular results. We’ve had amazing public support. I’m hugely proud of the work we’ve done to date.
Copyright Clare Prebble
“Funding these efforts, though, has been an ongoing struggle. So, we’re now building a community of supporters that share our desire to save Earth’s largest fish. We are asking members of the public to become part of this project, with donations from just $3 a month.
“You’ll be joining forces with a small, dedicated team of expert researchers that are working every day to make the world a better place. You’ll get personal updates from global leaders in marine biology and conservation, and you’ll be helping to save the world’s amazing marine wildlife. If you’re able to help, we’ll be super grateful. The whale sharks will be freakin’ stoked.”
For more information or to become a donor, please visit: https://www.patreon.com/simonjpierce.
Marine Life & Conservation
Experience the Greatest Shoal on Earth followed by few nights with Sharks next month at some really great rates with Seas4Life (Watch Video)
An Exclusive, Expert Led, One-Off experience…
For just a few short weeks each year – end of May through to end of June – the mighty Sardine Run showcases the epic efforts of supreme marine predators working in unison to feed off the migrating sardines in a most dynamic flurry of action. End of June early July is also when the shark season begins – just imagine it is a David Attenbourgh Blue Planet experience.
In case this natural wonder wasn’t exciting enough – majestic humpback whales just happen to start their annual migration back up north adding to this phenomenal experience.
Its a must for the adventurous soul.. Lots of love, laughter, and smiles.
This is a feeding event of unmatched proportions. Thousands of common dolphin charge after the shoals, separating them into bait balls, with their ‘dolphin bubble technique’, bring them to the surface. Watched from the air by the cape gannets, who then launch a massive aerial assault on the sardines. They are also easy pickings for shivers of bronze whaler, dusky and black tip sharks, seals and lastly the huge mouths of Brydes (Brooders) whale that can consume an entire bait ball in one single lunge!
Seas4Life is offering an incredible deal for this year’s Sardine Run. Here are the details:
Date: June 23rd – July 2nd 2024
Type: Family, group, couples, solo travellers. Min of 4 pax – max 8 pax
Location: South Africa
Nights: 9 nights/10 days
Rates originally started at USD$9,705 per person 9 Nights PP, based on 5 pax on the trip. However, you can now experience the Greatest Shoal on Earth followed by some seriously unforgettable shark action for just USD$7,100 per person.
Includes:
- 5 night stay at Gulu Game Reserve (23rd – 28th June)
- 4 night stay at Africa Oceans Manor (28th June– 2nd July)
- 9 nights fully catered stay with breakfast, packed lunch and dinner
- Welcome drinks and selected alcohol (local beers, wines and spirits)
- 4 Sardine Run Days and 3 full Shark Research Days – 1 morning being with Great White
sharks - Guiding by expert marine conservationists, shark specialists and ocean enthusiasts
- Transfers to and from the airports and to and from the launch base and hotels; and on 28th June from Gulu Game Reserve to African Oceans Manor along the Southern African Coastline and parts of the Garden Route
- Privately chartered 26 foot (8m) semi-rigid dive boat (South African Maritime Safety Authority, licensed to travel up to 40 Nautical miles offshore) with two 140hp motors
- Snorkelling and scuba diving gear
- All activities as outlined in the itinerary
- Use of Gulu Private Resort and African Oceans Manor facilities including rejuvenating in their spa, use of the pool, playing tennis, hiking or fishing… (these will be charged separately if used)
- Marine conservation contribution to the shark research unit
- Offsetting your carbon through Planet Moja
- AMREF
- Lead shark scientist Nico, sardine run expertise of ScubaXursions
- Julie as lead guide
- Lots of smiles, laughter and many memories made
Excludes:
- International flights
- Visas and taxes (airport, government and tourist)
- Scuba diving, free diving and underwater photography courses
- Alcoholic drinks (unless stated) champagne, luxury spirits and selected wines
- Activities not outlined above
- All photographic gear
- DAN Insurance, Scuba and/or photographic gear insurance
- All additional park and/or conservancy fees if applicable
- Travel and health insurance
- Items of a personal nature
- Gratuities
For more information or to book, contact Seas4Life now:
SALES@SEAS4LIFE.COM / +254 723 639 640 / seas4life.com
As National Safe Boating Week approaches, Save the Manatee® Club is urging boaters, and anyone that enjoys Florida’s waterways, to respect and protect the defenseless manatees that inhabit our shared waterways. From May 18 to 24, leading up to Memorial Day Weekend, the campaign aims to raise awareness about recreational boating safety and the importance of safeguarding imperiled manatees during the summer boating season. This week also emphasizes the importance of encouraging boaters to enroll in a boating safety course.
Manatees are semi-migratory marine mammals that are commonly found in shallow estuaries, bays, rivers, canals, and coastal areas throughout Florida and neighboring states. With some manatees venturing as far west as Texas and as far north as Massachusetts, collisions between these gentle giants and watercraft have become distressingly frequent. Boat propellers and high-speed collisions pose significant threats to manatees, often resulting in severe injuries or even death.
Save the Manatee Club is calling on all water enthusiasts to follow essential manatee safety tips to ensure the well-being of the imperiled manatee:
- Obey Speed Zone Signs: Familiarize yourself with and adhere to posted speed limits to prevent collisions with manatees.
- Reduce Glare with Polarized Sunglasses: Wear polarized sunglasses to enhance visibility and spot manatees below the water’s surface.
- Recognize Manatee Signs: Learn to identify signs of manatees in the area, such as swirls or flat spots on the water caused by their movements.
- Respect Manatee Sanctuaries: Keep a safe distance from posted manatee sanctuaries and avoid pursuing or harassing these marine mammals, as it is illegal and can disrupt their natural behaviors.
- Report Distressed Manatees: In Florida, promptly report distressed, injured, tagged, or orphaned manatees to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) at 1-888-404-FWCC (3922). Outside of Florida, report sightings to the appropriate state agency or rescue organization. A list of agencies to contact is available at savethemanatee.org/report.
- Protect Seagrass Beds: Avoid boating over seagrass beds and shallow areas where manatees may be feeding. Stick to deep water channels while remaining vigilant, as manatees also utilize these channels during their travels.
- Dispose of Fishing Line Responsibly: Anglers should properly dispose of or recycle used fishing line to prevent entanglement hazards for manatees.
“Each year, National Safe Boating Week provides an excellent reminder for all of us to be aware that we share our waterways with vulnerable manatees,” emphasized Patrick Rose, Aquatic Biologist and Executive Director of Save the Manatee Club. “With the recent Unusual Mortality Event on Florida’s East Coast claiming an alarming number of manatees’ lives, it is more crucial than ever to prevent preventable deaths caused by watercraft collisions. By following manatee-safe boating guidelines, such as obeying speed zones and remaining vigilant for manatees, everyone on the water can contribute to the protection of these gentle giants.”
Save the Manatee Club offers a range of free materials to help safeguard manatees and raise awareness about manatee-safe boating practices. Shoreline property owners and park or marina managers can order aluminum dock signs to alert others about the presence of manatees in their areas. Boaters and paddlers can request packets containing a safety tips card, a waterproof boat banner, and a decal to display on their vessels, providing the number to report manatees in distress. To view and request these materials, visit savethemanatee.org/resources. Save the Manatee Club will also be hosting a live webinar for National Safe Boating Week on Tuesday, May 21st at 6pm EST. To register, visit savethemanatee.org/register.
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