Marine Life & Conservation
Only 24 hours left to apply for Project AWARE’s Ocean Action Project
While people read about water pollution and endangered species in the news, scuba divers see and are affected by these problems first hand. That is why Project AWARE has started the Ocean Action Project, a program that allows divers to formulate their own plans in order to better protect ocean life and keep the water clean. Those who are surrounded by the reality of ocean issues are the ones who can have the biggest impact and begin to turn the situation around.
The Ocean Action Project focuses on two major ocean issues—shark and ray protection and marine debris. Every project that is set in motion has a goal to make a change and is designed to get results. In 2012, there were five different Ocean Action Projects started with help from Project AWARE as well as PADI.
To be eligible for the Ocean Action Project, create a plan that will strongly influence change where needed and have a positive impact. Last year, the Semporna Shark Sanctuary project was started to protect pelagic species (including sharks) in the waters near Semporna, Malaysia, but it did not only focus on preserving ocean life. The organization’s mission was to also protect those who worked in ecotourism. In Koh Tao, Thailand, a local community group received an Ocean Action Project grant as well as funding from PADI for their project to protect and restore the water’s resources. Their plan was to create a rubbish reduction awareness campaign, place signs and garbage bins around the island and to start an island clean-up crew.
Already have a project stirring in your mind? To turn an idea into reality, request help from Project AWARE by visiting projectaware.org/OceanActionProject and apply online. You will want to read the guidelines and applications first to make sure your project qualifies, and then fill out the application form provided on the website. But you have to be quick – the deadline for applications is tomorrow (Oct. 31).
Find out more about Project AWARE’s Ocean Action Project here.
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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