Connect with us

Issue 104 - January 2024

Shark Conservation Insight: ‘Older Than Trees’ Documentary Unveils Dr. James Lea’s Shark Conservation Quest

The Save Our Seas Foundation releases its award-winning short documentary, Older Than Trees, created in collaboration with Sea Change Project and directed by Pippa Ehrlich, co-director of the Oscar- and BAFTA-winning My Octopus Teacher.

The Save Our Seas Foundation (SOSF) is proud to share its story of shark scientist Dr James Lea, a field biologist deeply committed to a hopeful future for sharks and rays. Viewers can stream the film for free on YouTube, journeying with Lea as he travels the planet using his expertise to save sharks. The SOSF hopes that together we can learn how science helps inform how and where sharks and rays can thrive. 

This is a film about hope for the future of sharks and rays. The film tells the story of James Lea, a field biologist who grew up dreaming of sharks, enigmatic creatures of the deep. In his first few years as a field biologist, he fell in love with silky sharks in the Red Sea, where he interacted with them and learned their individual personalities. But in the space of just a few years he watched as almost each and every animal he had known was lost to overfishing. Feeling heartbroken and helpless, Lea resolved to use his expertise as a scientist to protect sharks in places where they still have a chance to thrive.

Older Than Trees highlights Lea’s work in the field and the success he’s contributed to in safeguarding these ancient species. Using both new and never-before-seen archival footage, the film takes us on an expedition around the world that showcases the critical role science plays in safeguarding vulnerable species like sharks and rays. ‘We rely on our oceans for food, livelihoods, climate regulation and our well-being, and sharks play many crucial roles in the stability of ocean systems. Increasingly, we risk losing this stability through intense overfishing; global shark populations have declined by more than 70%. Sharks really, really need our help,’ says Lea. ‘This is where the science comes in. Filling knowledge gaps about sharks and their behaviour helps us to target conservation efforts, making sure they are as effective as possible.’

Craig Foster, co-founder of Sea Change Project and executive producer of Older Than Trees,comments, ‘It was a joy to work with Pippa, James and the Save Our Seas Foundation team. The team have dedicated their lives to ocean conservation, using science to protect sharks and marine habitats – in essence, protecting the life-support system of humans and all life on earth.’ He added, ‘This is a very important story – in a larger sense, perhaps the most important story. It’s very exciting for me and my colleagues at Sea Change Project to work with the Save Our Seas Foundation and to collaborate on projects for the ocean. The great transformation many are praying for, where we prioritise Mother Nature in everything we do, will only come through massive multi-level collaboration. For Sea Change, it is a privilege to be a tiny cog in that very big wheel.’

Older Than Trees is a compelling reminder of the value of impact-driven science in the urgent mission to protect and restore populations of threatened animals like sharks. On the impact of the film, Lea says, ‘Although I love sharks, I never dreamed I would get to know, and grow deeply fond of, particular individuals. These are connections I cherish, and ones that I hope future generations will get the privilege to experience too.’

You can watch Older Than Trees on YouTube at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6t2ZSalsMjQ

The film has been playing in festivals around the globe, acquiring numerous award nominations and being proclaimed ‘Best Documentary Short Film’ at the Braga Science Film Festival. It will be available to stream from 18 December 2023 on YouTube and Vimeo. 


About the Save Our Seas Foundation

Founded in Geneva, Switzerland, in 2003, the Save Our Seas Foundation (SOSF) is a philanthropic organisation whose ultimate goal is to create a legacy of securing the health and sustainability of our oceans, and the communities that depend on them, for generations to come. 

Its support for research, conservation and education projects worldwide focuses on endangered sharks, rays and skates. Three permanent SOSF research and education centres reinforce its actions in Seychelles, South Africa and the USA.

Save Our Seas Foundation logo

[xyz-ihs snippet=”Prepared-by-PK”]

Issue 104 - January 2024

11th Hour Racing Provides Support to Nonprofit Organizations in Coastal Communities

11th Hour Racing announced its support of nine new U.S. grant recipients as part of its ongoing philanthropic efforts funded by the Schmidt Family Foundation. These nonprofit organizations are leading initiatives at the crossroads of education and the environment in Massachusetts, Rhode Island, and Puerto Rico.

Save the Sound harvests eelgrass seeds to restore the marine ecosystem in the Long Island Sound.
Save the Sound harvests eelgrass seeds to restore the marine ecosystem in the Long Island Sound. © 11th Hour Racing

Reinforcing its mission to support local programs that model best practices of sustainability, restore coastal ecosystems, and advance ocean stewardship, 11th Hour Racing also renewed grants with 25 nonprofit organizations and supported 11 community nonprofits in Rhode Island, bringing total funding to $4 million in grant giving in 2023.

“11th Hour Racing’s strategy centers on improving ocean health with an array of solutions that start on land,” said Michelle Carnevale, president of 11th Hour Racing. “Community composting is a strong focus this year – because it transforms food waste into nutrient-rich soil that helps nature sequester more carbon. We’ve also broadened our support of diverse organizations that are leading policy research, testing out advances in ecosystem restoration, and teaching traditional ecological knowledge.”

These nine new grantees join 11th Hour Racing’s current 48-strong cohort of grantees creating systemic change to restore ocean health. The following are the new grantees and work supported by 11th Hour Racing.

  • Compost Power (New York City, N.Y.) hosts weekly workshops and trains young adults from public housing communities on composting practices and leadership. It processes residential food waste and distributes finished compost to city residents and community gardens.
     
  • Franklin’s Promise Coalition (Apalachicola, Fla.) leads experiential youth leadership programs, including BoriCorps in Puerto Rico and OysterCorps in Florida, focused on workforce development in restoring mangroves, salt marshes, oyster habitats, and living shorelines to advance coastal resilience in historically marginalized communities.
     
  • Institute for Local Self-Reliance (Washington, D.C.) will advance BIPOC-centered composting programs in the northeast United States through a small grants initiative.
     
  • Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe (Mashpee, Mass.) is implementing a four-week Preserving Our Homelands Youth in Science summer program that combines traditional ecological knowledge with Western science and supports operations of this region’s only native-owned and operated shellfish farm.
     
  • Novak Lab (Boston, Mass.) reduces the climate vulnerability of New England eelgrass meadows on Cape Cod by transplanting eelgrass shoots from regional locations with higher average water temperatures and supports restoration efforts of vital eelgrass habitat on Nantucket.
     
  • Rhode Island Food Policy Council (Providence, R.I.) supports a just and resilient food system in Rhode Island, including advancing municipal composting initiatives, building a network of compost leaders, and advocating for sustainable food policy.
     
  • Rhode Island Schools Recycling Project (Providence, R.I.) is expanding its food waste and healthy food capture and diversion program into five additional schools, training students to lead their fellow students in lunchroom composting, diverting healthy edible food, and recycling. The program is also conducting a case study on cost-saving benefits for schools that switch to lunchroom food waste sorting stations.
     
  • Stone Living Lab (Boston, Mass.) improves biodiversity and water quality by installing Living Seawalls, eco-engineered habitat-mimicking concrete structures that will help create more viable Boston Harbor ecosystems while conducting educational events for key municipal and climate resilience professionals.
     
  • Urban Ocean Lab (Boston, Mass.) cultivates rigorous, creative, equitable, and practical climate and ocean policy for the future of coastal cities. To advance the use of nature-based solutions in coastal cities nationwide, Urban Ocean Lab is partnering with Stone Living Lab to document, translate, and disseminate lessons learned from the City of Boston’s use of nature-based solutions as an adaptation measure.

11th Hour Racing’s additional contributions to Rhode Island-based nonprofit organizations reflect its mission to support those working to forge a sustainable and inclusive coastal community, foster resilience, and tackle local environmental challenges.

Donation recipients include Bike Newport, Boys & Girls Clubs of Newport County, Conexión Latina Newport, Eating with the Ecosystem, EcoRI News, FabNewport, International Tennis Hall of Fame’s TeamFAME Program, Newport Festivals Foundation, Portsmouth AgInnovation Farm, Sankofa Community Connection, and Zero Waste Providence.

11th Hour Racing is now accepting grant applications through March 31, 2024, and welcomes national and international organizations to apply. To learn more, visit 11thhourracing.org

The Trustees of Reservations is measuring carbon sequestration and restoring vegetation in a portion of New England's 20,000-acre salt marsh to keep pace with climate change.
The Trustees of Reservations is measuring carbon sequestration and restoring vegetation in a portion of New England’s 20,000-acre salt marsh to keep pace with climate change. © 11th Hour Racing

About 11th Hour Racing

11th Hour Racing works to mobilize sports, maritime, and coastal communities with an innovative approach to inspire solutions for the ocean. Since 2010 the organization has been harnessing the power of sport to promote collaborative, systemic change through three primary areas of engagement: Sponsorships, Grantees, and Ambassadors. Learn more at www.11thhourracing.org.

11th hour racing logo

[xyz-ihs snippet=”Prepared-by-PK”]

Continue Reading

Issue 104 - January 2024

SSI Launches ‘Underwater Explorers Worldwide’ Facebook Group to Unite Divers Worldwide

Scuba Schools International (SSI) has launched a new Facebook group, ‘Underwater Explorers Worldwide’. This exciting new community is designed to bring together divers from around the world to share their knowledge and passion for underwater adventures.

Why ‘Underwater Explorers Worldwide’?

SSI recognizes the need for a vibrant and engaging platform that goes beyond training and certifications. A place where divers of all experience levels can come together to celebrate the wonders of the underwater world. Here, divers can find a supportive network of other divers who are keen to share their experiences, insights, and tips to enhance every diving adventure.

Benefits of joining:

Joining ‘Underwater Explorers Worldwide’ offers a multitude of benefits. Divers can get unbiased views on everything related to diving. They can ask questions, receive valuable feedback, and get validation from a global community of divers. With members from around the world, it is easy for divers to make new friends and discover new places to go diving.

Who is this group for?

The ‘Underwater Explorers Worldwide’ Facebook group is for everyone interested in diving – be that scuba diving, freediving, Extended Range diving, or mermaiding. This diverse and inclusive group caters for all experience levels; from beginners right through to professionals.  

Inside the group, members can explore a world of topics, such as:

  • Dive spots around the world.
  • Dive trip planning tips.
  • Equipment reviews and recommendations.
  • Dive safety and skills.
  • Marine conservation and environmental awareness.
  • Underwater photography and videography.
  • Dive stories and experiences.
  • Diving Q&A sessions, polls, surveys, and quizzes.
  • SSI updates and news.
  • Exciting events.
  • Inspiring interviews.

So, whether you’re a seasoned pro or just starting your underwater journey, SSI invites you to become a part of this extraordinary community today:


[xyz-ihs snippet=”Prepared-by-PK”]

Continue Reading

Issue 104 - January 2024

SEVENSEAS Travel Magazine – January 2024 – Issue 104

January 2024 Issue Cover

Feature Destination

Rapa Nui’s Hidden Gems and Sacred Spaces

Easter Island, or Rapa Nui, is a bastion of ancient mystery and modern allure, a remote volcanic island in the southeastern Pacific Ocean. It’s world-renowned for its archaeological treasures, particularly the nearly 900 Moai statues carved by the early Rapa Nui people. Read more…

Rapa Nui Multiple Use Marine Coastal Protected Area, a Blueprint for Conservation

Areal view of a boat on the ocean

The Rapa Nui Multiple Use Marine Coastal Protected Area, established off the coast of Easter Island in 2018, stands as a monumental effort in marine conservation, encompassing an area of 278,000 square miles.  Read more…

Sustainability Insights from Rapa Nui’s Past

Banner photo showing a statue on easter island

Easter Island, known as Rapa Nui to its earliest inhabitants, stands as a sentinel of human history, and ecology, and a poignant lesson in the fragility of civilization. Approximately 2,300 miles from the coast of Chile, it is the most isolated inhabited landmass on Earth. Read more…


NEWSROOM

Halfway Through Expedition Hope: Do Offshore Seamounts Mean Good News for Cayman’s Coral Reefs?

Little Cayman, Cayman Islands; 15 December 2023: As we near the halfway point of the Central Caribbean Marine Institute’s (CCMI) Expedition Hope to characterise the biodiversity of two offshore seamounts in the Cayman Islands.  Read more…

Ocean Hope Chronicles: Local Leaders as Extraordinary Changemakers

Photo Banner for Ocean Hope Chronicles: Local Leaders as Extraordinary Changemakers article

Liz Cunningham’s Ocean Hope Chronicles are dedicated to inspiring individuals who are making a difference to protect the life of the seas. “Majority world.” My ears pricked up. I had not heard that term before. The speaker continued. “The majority world is home to talented conservationists who have historically been underrepresented due to colonialism. Read more…

Caught napping? Grey Reef Sharks Resting Changes What We Know About How They Breathe

shark banner

Researchers are re-writing what we know about how grey reef sharks breathe and rest based on new observations from reefs in Seychelles. They hope that if we understand whether sharks sleep, we will take better measure of everything else. Read more…

MILAN: Natural History Museum Reopens with Renewed Exhibition Layout

The Migliore+Servetto design studio, which won the national competition to design the set-up of the whole museum in 2018, has created the permanent design for Room IX of the Natural History Museum of Milan, dedicated to the “Natural History of Humans”. The intervention involves approximately 400 square metres and ranges from the overall conception of the room layout. Read more…

Snapping Shrimp Create Rowdy Reef in Kimberley Marine Park

Underwater reefs are generally thought of as tranquil places — however, some truly unruly residents make one such area off the coast of northwestern Australia anything but quiet. Marine experts from Curtin University and the Western Australian Museum were diving in the West Holothuria Reef complex in Wunambal Gaambera Wundaagu saltwater country off the Kimberley coast of WA. Read more…

Guy Harvey Foundation Renews Support for The Art of Conservation® Fish Art Contest

Whale Shark by Susanna Liang

Wildlife Forever is proud to announce the continuation of their partnership with the Guy Harvey Foundation for the 2024 The Art of Conservation Fish Art Contest. The Guy Harvey Foundation will continue to support the Guy Harvey Shark Award, a special category of the competition featuring all species of sharks. Read more…

Extinct Ink: What If Your Next Tattoo Could Create a Forever-Lasting Impact?

Our oceans are dying and we are responsible: dozens of marine animals have gone extinct due to pollution, poaching, and other human activity. It seems only fair that we give a bit of ourselves to raise awareness about this dramatic issue. Read more…

SOFi Products Unveils New Plastic-Free, Biodegradable Cup for Hot Beverages

After four years of research and development, SOFi Products is excited to reveal its new 100% plastic-free, biodegradable cup for hot beverages that doesn’t require a separate lid. The SOFi Hot Cup features three flaps that fold together to form a spill-proof spout. Read more…

Mountain Bike & Camp Along North Rim of the Grand Canyon with Escape Adventures

While most of North America reels under hot summertime temperatures, the North Rim of the Grand Canyon offers a wonderful high-altitude escape. Providing gently rolling terrain of lung-expanding dimensions, the North Rim has been long-held as sacred ground to hikers and cyclists alike. Read more…

Shark Conservation Insight: ‘Older Than Trees’ Documentary Unveils Dr. James Lea’s Shark Conservation Quest

shark banner

The Save Our Seas Foundation (SOSF) is proud to share its story of shark scientist Dr James Lea, a field biologist deeply committed to a hopeful future for sharks and rays. Viewers can stream the film for free on YouTube, journeying with Lea as he travels the planet using his expertise to save sharks. See the documentary…

Green Fins Indonesia is Committed to Expanding Sustainability to Marine Tourism Nationwide

The Reef-World Foundation — the international coordinator of UN Environment Programme’s Green Fins initiative — has successfully trained and certified two new Green Fins assessor trainers from the Green Fins Indonesia National Team. Read more…


SEVENSEAS Beach Cleanup & Coral Restoration Events in Marine Protected Areas

Beach Cleanup Event from
November 2023

Coral Nursery & Restoration Activity Update: July 2023

In July 2023, SEVENSEAS Media conducted two impactful events in Krabi, Thailand. The Monthly Beach Cleanup Event at Ao Sew Beach saw enthusiastic volunteers remove a staggering 150.6 kilograms of trash, underscoring the pressing issue of marine pollution and the significance of sustainable practices like reducing, reusing, and recycling waste. The organization stressed the importance of proper waste management to protect coastal ecosystems.

Meanwhile, in the face of an unexpected storm, SEVENSEAS Media’s Coral Nursery & Restoration team demonstrated unwavering dedication, rescuing and relocating 75 corals to safer locations, bolstering their chances of survival and growth. The team outlined a comprehensive plan for continued coral recovery missions and data collection efforts throughout the year. The recent storm served as a stark reminder of the urgency to safeguard coral reefs from climate change impacts. We would like to express our gratitude for the support received from individuals and communities in this conservation community. We would not be able to do it without your support. You can make a tax-deductible donation here to keep our publications and Thailand Cleanup Project afloat.

You can either make a direct financial contribution to SEVENSEAS Media through The Ocean Foundation website or connect us with potential donors by sending an email to  Giacomo Abrusci, our Editor-in-Chief.


The FREE Weekly Conservation Post and Jobs List

Signing up for the free Weekly Newsletter & Jobs List will get you a round-up of upcoming events, webinars, meetings, reports, funding opportunities, photos of the week, and recent postings to the jobs list.

To sign up for our free subscription, please Click Here or email us Here

Since 2004, SEVENSEAS Media has fostered an informal and non-partisan platform to promote understanding of key issues and challenges while building partnerships across an increasingly diverse group of marine conservation professionals and students.

Our mission is to promote communication and build partnerships across the global marine community and to identify and address gaps in the community’s work. SEVENSEAS Media achieves this through multimedia promotion and partnerships. The community consists of a diverse and growing group of participants, including non-governmental organizations, government agencies, foundations, bilateral and multilateral agencies, fellowship programs, independent consultants, and academia/students.

If you are interested in contributing or getting involved, email us Here


=[xyz-ihs snippet=”Prepared-by-PK”]

Continue Reading

Trending