Marine Life & Conservation
OceanShot invites PADI to first-ever underwater panel
PADI Pros train with OceanShot partners for underwater coral reef panel at the Global Citizen Forum at COP28
PADI®. is joining OceanShot co-founders for the historic underwater panel on positive ocean change at the Global Citizen Forum, which is taking place alongside COP28 in Ras Al Khaimah, UAE December 6-7 2023. The first-of-its-kind underwater panel will dive deep into the importance of coral reef protection to elevate the urgent need for ocean action.
PADI’s CEO and President, Drew Richardson will join Dr. Brosnan and Mr. DeJoria at the Global Citizen Forum’s first-ever underwater panel to purposefully descend beneath the surface in the hopes of calling people around the globe to positive ocean action and inspiring them to both explore and save the ocean.
OceanShot is a coral reef ecosystem restoration project co-founded by globally-recognised marine scientist and climate risk expert Dr. Deborah Brosnan, and global philanthropist, environmentalist and entrepreneur John Paul DeJoria, launched in partnership with the Government of Antigua and Barbuda. The initiative uses technology that mimics the design and shape of natural reefs to restore coral and invite back marine life, as well as protect nearby coastal communities from storm surge and sea level rise.
Dr. Richardson is one of the most influential people in scuba diving and has transformed PADI’s mission to create a billion ocean TorchbearersTM. who are taking local action for global impact and united by a shared vision to achieve balance between humanity and the ocean.
OceanShot’s first living-lab hub, designed to be a place where innovators can test their technologies aimed at environmental protection, was deployed in Antigua and Barbuda. In June 2021, the Global Citizen Forum adopted OceanShot as one of its supported flagship initiatives. This year, OceanShot’s co-founders invited PADI as a partner in its world-class restoration model.
“Coral reefs are among the most ecologically and economically valuable ecosystems that drive our blue economy,” says Dr. Richardson. “Scuba divers can explore beneath the surface and fuel ocean change as Torchbearers, taking part in a range of meaningful diver citizen-science actions driving real results. And as global citizens, we have the opportunity to be changemakers that inspire more innovative and positive solutions for the health of coral reefs, the ocean and our shared blue planet.”
“We’re doing this work because our oceans need us and we need them,” says Dr. Brosnan. “Humans have mapped the human genome, landed astronauts on the moon, and in less than twelve months developed a viable vaccine to combat a global pandemic. It is time to focus the same attention on our oceans with bold, ambitious, and achievable initiatives.”
PADI recently conducted a special underwater training session with Dr. Richardson, Dr. Brosnan and Mr. DeJoria in preparation for the upcoming underwater panel in December where they will share their knowledge and passion for ocean conservation with the world.
To learn more about the first underwater panel at the Global Citizen Forum visit globalcitizenforum.org/ocean-shot/.
OceanShot is managed and operated by Dr. Deborah Brosnan. For more information, visit https://www.deborahbrosnan.com/oceanshot.html
About PADI
PADI® (Professional Association of Diving Instructors®) is the largest purpose-driven diving organization with a global network of 6,600 dive centers and resorts, 128,000 professional members and more than 29 million certified divers to date. Committed to our blue planet, PADI makes the wonder of the underwater world accessible to all, empowering people around the world to experience, explore and take meaningful action, as Ocean Torchbearers, to protect the world beneath the surface. For over 50 years, PADI is undeniably The Way the World Learns to Dive®, setting the standard for the highest quality dive training, underwater safety and conservation initiatives while evolving the sport of diving into a passionate lifestyle. For divers by divers, PADI is obsessed with transforming lives and, with its global foundation, PADI AWARE, creating positive ocean change. Seek Adventure. Save the Ocean.
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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