Marine Life & Conservation
Are you up to the Plastic Challenge?
Plastic is so ingrained in our lives that it has become almost viral and is pervasive in nearly all parts of our planet. It is almost impossible to travel, even to the remotest part of the world and not be confronted by either the use of plastic or the legacy of plastic waste.
It is in our homes and at work, it is present throughout the countryside and wilderness and most frighteningly of all, has now become a substantial part of the marine ecosystem and food chain causing untold deaths and mutations within the marine biosphere.
So, is there a problem? Well really it depends on your point of view. If you live in a little self sustaining micro-bubble, then the answer is no. If however you live in this world as a sentient, caring and rational being then yes, there is a problem and it can only be us that work to rectify it.
We could continue on the plastic waste path and in all probability most people would not even see or hear of the consequences. Plastic in our day to day lives has become so ingrained in the way we live that we don’t even notice it when it litters the pavements of our towns and cities as well as adorn the trees and hedges of our countryside. It has become a common sight on our beaches and coastlines.
So other than being an eyesore, is it really a problem, especially when it is so useful in our daily living. Well, among other issues, it is choking and killing our marine life at an alarming rate. If you take notice, then you will be aware that this plastic toll is exacting a heavy price on the seas each and every year. People used to say that they were worried about leaving an impoverished world for their children and grandchildren, but that thought needs to be updated because the impoverishment is now becoming so rapid that we are seeing the pollution and degradation ourselves each and every year.
So, is there a solution, is there something we can do? Yes, of course there is. Sadly many marine ecosystems are already near beyond saving as plastic has become ingrained in the food chain. But life has an admirable way of holding and coming back if given the chance. We do have the technology and ability to start making things better, we just need the will. For a start we should begin to think local and will soon find that this train of thought will become global. Stop using plastic unnecessarily, be sure to dispose of plastic waste sensibly. Join occasional litter picks in your area. There are so many web sites that tell you how to be conscientious with plastic use. Please have a look at a few and see if you can help make a difference.
Today I was Cc’d an email from the Marine Conservation Society (MCS) telling me about one of their initiatives where they are “asking people to give up single-use plastic for a day, a week or the full month to increase awareness about how much we depend on the unnecessary plastics in our lives.” Great! Have a look at their web site. It really will only take a few moments.
To find out how you can get involved, visit www.mcsuk.org/plasticchallenge.
Marine Life & Conservation
Double Bubble for Basking Sharks
The Shark Trust is excited to announce that, for two more days only, all donations, large or small, will be doubled in the Big Give Green Match Fund!
Donate to Basking in Nature: Sighting Giants
The Shark Trust is hoping to raise £10k which will be doubled to £20k. This will go towards Basking in Nature: Sighting Giants. And they need YOUR help to reach they’re goal.
The Shark Trust’s citizen science project is to monitor and assess basking sharks through sightings; encouraging data collection, community engagement, and promoting nature accessibility. This initiative aims to enhance health and wellbeing by fostering a deeper connection with British Sharks.
Campaign Aims
- Increase citizen science reporting of Basking Sharks and other shark sightings to help inform shark and ray conservation.
- Provide educational talks about the diverse range of sharks and rays in British waters and accessible identification guides!
- Create engaging and fun information panels on how to ID the amazing sharks and rays we have on our doorstep! These can be used on coastal paths around the Southwest. With activities and information on how you can make a difference for sharks and rays!
- Promote mental wellbeing through increasing time in nature and discovering the wonders beneath the waves!
Donate, and double your impact. Click Here
Marine Life & Conservation
Leading UK-based shark conservation charity, the Shark Trust, is delighted to announce tour operator Diverse Travel as a Corporate Patron
Corporate Patrons provide a valuable boost to the work of The Shark Trust. The Trust team works globally to safeguard the future of sharks, and their close cousins, the skates and rays, engaging with a global network of scientists, policymakers, conservation professionals, businesses and supporters to further shark conservation.
Specialist tour operator Diverse Travel has operated since 2014 and is committed to offering its guests high quality, sustainable scuba diving holidays worldwide. Working together with the Shark Trust will enable both organisations to widen engagement and encourage divers and snorkellers to actively get involved in shark conservation.
“Sharks are truly at the heart of every diver and at Diverse Travel, we absolutely share that passion. There is nothing like seeing a shark in the wild – it’s a moment that stays with you forever!” says Holly Bredin, Sales & Marketing Manager, Diverse Travel.
“We’re delighted to celebrate our 10th year of business by becoming a Corporate Patron of the Shark Trust. This is an exciting partnership for Diverse and our guests. We will be donating on behalf of every person who books a holiday with us to contribute towards their vital shark conservation initiatives around the world. We will also be working together with the Trust to inspire divers, snorkellers and other travellers to take an active role – at home and abroad – in citizen science projects and other activities.”
Paul Cox, CEO of The Shark Trust, said:
“It’s an exciting partnership and we’re thrilled to be working with Diverse Travel to enable more divers and travellers to get involved with sharks and shark conservation. Sharks face considerable conservation challenges but, through collaboration and collective action, we can secure a brighter future for sharks and their ocean home. This new partnership takes us one more valuable step towards that goal.”
For more information about the Shark Trust visit their website here.
For more about Diverse Travel click here.
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