Marine Life & Conservation
Marine & Oceanic Sustainability Foundation Announces Partnership With Ocean Crest Alliance
The Marine & Oceanic Sustainability Foundation (MOSF) have announced a collaborative partnership with Ocean Crest Alliance (OCA) to develop geotourism and citizen science-based programs that integrate with marine protected areas (MPAs). These two marine conservation organizations are working together to implement market-driven programs that benefit local communities, promote eco-friendly tourism and help fund the management and protection of marine ecosystems.
“Ocean Crest Alliance, with Joe Ierna at the helm, is a non-profit organization that is developing innovative ways to establish and manage much needed MPAs,” stated Jennifer Pitzer, MOSF Managing Director. “Like MOSF, OCA has a very strong focus on stakeholder engagement, the importance of financially and environmentally sustainable programs, and the use of green technology to achieve our goals.”
“We have designed and developed a unique MPA Facility and E-Share program that provides a vehicle for MPAs to be financially sustainable while operating sustainably within Nature and the Community that it serves,” said Joe Ierna, Ocean Crest Alliance Director.
MOSF and OCA are collaborating on geotourism and citizen science programs that encompass key sustainability principles and highlight a destinations geographical and cultural character. Geotourism is tourism that sustains or enhances the geographical character of a place—its environment, culture, aesthetics, heritage, and the well being of its residents. Citizen science enables non-scientists with specific interests, such as marine conservation, to get into the field and assist with the collection, analysis and documentation of valuable data for professionally-
MOSF and OCA have already begun working together on a sea turtle conservation program on Long Island in the Bahamas. Long Island is the site of a proposed 215,000 acre MPA, which is a part of Mission Blue Bahamas “Hope Spot”. This program will be designed and developed with extensive input and involvement of the residents of Long Island. The ultimate goal is to hire and train local Bahamians of the island to manage and staff the program full-time with oversight and assistance provided by MOSF and OCA, as needed.
Partnering with colleges and universities globally, the marine conservation programs will be set up to host student interns that can attain required community service hours, get hands on marine conservation experience, and learn valuable work-life skills. Students will be engaging in activities ranging from education outreach and turtle nesting area cleanups to marine life rescue, rehabilitation and release.
This collaborative partnership brings together two passionate organizations with solid backgrounds in business, technology, and marine conservation. Both organizations share an entrepreneurial spirit and commitment to investing in green energy, sustainable development principles, and reproducible programs that benefit local communities.
About the Marine & Oceanic Sustainability Foundation
Founded in 2013, the Marine & Oceanic Sustainability Foundation (MOSF) is dedicated to the advancement of marine conservation and sustainability projects. MOSF engages in market-driven, tourism centric programs that balance ocean health, human prosperity and emphasize marine stewardship. MOSF establishes geotourism and citizen science activities, which sustain or enhance the geographic well being of a destination, emphasize the culture and history of the area, and benefit both visitors and residents. For more information, visit www.mosfoundation.org.
About Ocean Crest Alliance
Dedicated to Honor, Protect and Restore the Health of the World’s Oceans and the Life of the Earth’s Systems through Conservation, Research, Education, Science and Technology. OCA programs anticipate dedicating resources in the fields of ocean-related studies, alternative energy and marine-related activities/technologies;
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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