Issue 50 - June 2019

Game-changing Agreement for National Parks and Community Development in Chilean Patagonia

The President of the Republic of Chile, Sebastián Piñera, came to an agreement with an international conservation coalition led by Tompkins Conservation and The Pew Charitable Trusts to create a finance mechanism for the permanent, long-term management of the Route of Parks of Patagonia. The Route of Parks Fund: Protecting Patagonia Forever will implement sweeping improvements to national parks, increase their benefit to the communities of southern Chile, and bolster the long-term conservation of one of the last wild places on Earth.

Credit to Nicolás Piwonka / The Pew Charitable Trusts
Caption: Sea elephants in Ainsworth Bay, Alberto de Agostini National Park, Magallanes region, Chilean Patagonia

The Chilean government has agreed on a proposal by a coalition of conservationists led by Tompkins Conservation and The Pew Charitable Trusts to ensure the future conservation of Patagonia. The fund uses an investment tool developed by financiers called Project Finance for Permanence (PFP) to provide an innovative solution to some of the most pressing needs of Patagonia, including long term national park funding, economic development, and climate change mitigation.

Credit to Nicolás Piwonka / The Pew Charitable Trusts
Península Clove, Alberto de Agostini National Park, Magallanes region, Chilean Patagonia

The funding is destined toward The Route of Parks, a 1,700-mile network of 17 national parks and over 60 Patagonian communities between Puerto Montt and Cape Horn. Over an extended period, the investment will elevate the national parks to international standards, ensure government financing towards permanent conservation and help neighboring communities to benefit from fast-growing domestic and international tourism. The exact dollar amount of the fund remains to be determined, as stakeholders, including the local communities, collaborate to develop the plan and calculate its costs over the coming months.

Credit to Nicolás Piwonka / The Pew Charitable Trusts
Clemente Bay and Clemente Island, Las Guaitecas National Reserve, Chilean Patagonia

“This is a strategic alliance with a very moral significance to protect our parks, to expand our parks, and this is not only out of respect for nature, but also for our children, our grandchildren and future generations”, President Piñera said after a meeting held at La Moneda presidential palace with Tompkins Conservation and The Pew Charitable Trusts.

Credit to Nicolás Piwonka / The Pew Charitable Trusts
Austral Pygmy Owl, Francisco Coloane Marine Park, Chilean Patagonia

The project is an instrumental response to the challenge of financing and managing a dramatically expanding park system after Tompkins Conservation’s historic donation to the state of Chile created seven new national parks in Patagonia and expanded three others. For Kristine Tompkins, President of Tompkins Conservation and UN Patron of Protected Areas, the milestone takes Chile one step further in becoming international model for conservation. She explains, “We consider this fund to be a keystone of our commitment with Chile post-donation to ensure the well-being of Patagonia’s national parks and the local communities. We are helping to conserve one of the most pristine corners of the planet.”

Credit to Linde Waidhofer
Guanaco at Patagonia Park

For Francisco Solís Germani, director of the Chilean Patagonia project at The Pew Charitable Trusts, it is a unique opportunity to give Chile’s national parks the world-class protections they deserve, using applied science and technical support. He adds, “this innovative fund will help ensure that the heritage of the parks is conserved for future generations.”

Credit to The Pew Charitable Trusts
Alerce Andino National Park, in the Los Lagos region, Chilean Patagonia

Chile intends to innovate beyond similar landmark conservation projects implemented in Costa Rica (US$55 million), Bhutan (US$40 million) and the Brazilian Amazon (US$250 million). Park investment in Chile is approximately US$5.1 million per year for the national parks in Patagonia. Chile invests only US$1.54 per hectare in its national parks, far less than Peru (US$7), Costa Rica (US$30), or the United States (US$92). This commitment to increase investment in parks will position Chile to receive greater benefits from these natural and economic assets as tourism to the region grows.

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Conservation Photography

Baby Squid, Lembeh, Indonesia – Jack’s Underwater Photography Feature

Baby Squid in Blackwater Photography – Photo taken on Lembeh, Indonesia

baby squid swimming in black water

Squids, octopuses, and cuttlefishes are among the few animals in the world that can change the color of their skin in the blink of an eye. These cephalopods—a group of mollusks with arms attached to their heads—can change their skin tone to match their surroundings, rendering them nearly invisible, or alternatively give themselves a pattern that makes them stand out.

Many thousands of color-changing cells called chromatophores just below the surface of the skin are responsible for these remarkable transformations. The center of each chromatophore contains an elastic sac full of pigment, rather like a tiny balloon, which may be colored black, brown, orange, red or yellow. If you stretched a dye-filled balloon, the color would gather in one spot, stretching out the surface and making the color appear brighter—and this is the same way chromatophores work. A complex array of nerves and muscles controls whether the sac is expanded or contracted and, when the sac expands, the color is more visible. Besides chromatophores, some cephalopods also have iridophores and leucophores. Iridophores have stacks of reflecting plates that create iridescent greens, blues, silvers and golds, while leucophores mirror back the colors of the environment, making the animal less conspicuous.

See more of Jack Fung’s underwater photography on Instagram and at https://yourshot.nationalgeographic.com/profile/1752805/

Conservation Photography

Under the Waves with Karim Iliya, June 2019

Many species of whale were almost hunted to extinction for their oil. We usually stop the killing when it is no longer lucrative. Much of the time, the fate of entire societies of creatures lays in the hands of profit, and what can make the most money. Even then, we undervalue natureʼs economic value. It is time we put more value on preserving ecosystems and their inhabitants, as a means of safeguarding our future. When we got in the water with the common dolphins we were surprised to see a fin whale amongst them. Two very different species interacting. Fin whales, the second largest animal that has ever lived, is still being hunted in some parts of the world. Despite their enormous size, they get much less attention than the blue whale.

Whale swimming under water

Karim Iliya Logo

Karim was published in National Geographic magazine for his humpback whale photography. He now leads his own trips so that others can swim with whales.

If you are interested in swimming with or photographing humpback whales, Karim guides people in small trips betweenAugust and October every year in Tonga. Visitwww.dancewithwhales.com to find out more

To see more of Karim’s work, visit his website at www.karimphotography.com

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Issue 50 - June 2019

SEVENSEAS Travel Magazine – June 2019 – Issue 50

SEVENSEAS Media Magazine Cover Giacomo Abrusci

Remove 5 pounds of ocean plastic and support a coastal community

SEVENSEAS Media has been working with communities throughout Thailand to implement innovative approaches on waste reduction, recycling, and more responsible management of marine resources. With every $30 donation we will pull 5 pounds of plastic from the ocean. Read more…

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Upcycled Cement Messenger Bags That Support Ocean Conservation $28.95

These messenger bags provide a new life to construction waste and 10% of the proceeds go directly to SEVENSEAS Media. SHOP NOW.

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National Geographic’s Hostile Planet: Oceans – Putting the Cinema into Conservation

Nearly all wildlife film-makers get into the industry because we care about the environment. But even the worthiest eco-warrior amongst us comes to the realization that, traditionally, these stories aren’t the ones that make it into the high-end programs. Read more…

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Huge numbers of cuttlefish begin to gather in South Australia

Thousands of “little aliens” have started to gather in South Australia’s gulf waters with divers from around the world wanting to glimpse the annual cuttlefish pilgrimage expected to follow in coming weeks. Read more…

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Under the Waves with Karim Iliya, May 2019

Many specie of whale were almost hunted to extinction for their oil. We usually stop the killing when it is no longer lucrative. Much of the time, the fate of entire societies of creatures lays in the hands of profit… Read more…

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Baby Squid – Jack’s Underwater Photography Feature

Clownfish (Amphiprion ocellaris) are colorful fish with shades ranging from yellow to orange, brown or pink, but thanks to the success of the movie “Finding Nemo” we always picture them by their most common color combination: bright orange with white stripes surrounded by thin black lines. Read more…

FEATURE DESTINATION: Game-changing Agreement for National Parks and Community Development in Chilean Patagonia

Chilean Patagonia

The President of the Republic of Chile came to an agreement with an international conservation coalition to create a finance mechanism for the permanent, long-term management of the Route of Parks of Patagonia. See more…

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FEATURE DESTINATION: Pichilemu, the World Surfing Capital

Pichilemu in Mapuche language means “Little Forrest”. Beautiful and calm spa located in the central zone of Chile, in the last decades has become worldwide famous because of the quality of its waves and beautiful landscapes that go from the sea to the mountain range. Read more…

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Happy World Ocean’s Day!

Here is some important information and links for you and your network during this exciting week for our community. Read more…

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Poseidon Creations Underwater Imagery

Poseidon Creations was founded with the intentions of using underwater images to expose and spark discussion about conservation issues and generate new ideas to protect the environment. Graham and Gloria set the project up soon after they met in Cairns, Australia four years ago. Read more…

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Interested in advertising, contributing an article, or becoming a donor?

phone and computer screen

49 Issues, readership in 174 countries, 21,000 subscribers, over 25,000 monthly visitors…and growing. Read more…

#PrideInTheOcean Campaign

NOAA’s Office of National Marine Sanctuaries and Pride Outside – a nonprofit dedicated to connecting the LGBTQ community around the outdoors – teamed up to create #PrideInTheOcean, a social media visibility campaign for LGBTQ folks in ocean spaces. Read more…

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FEATURE DESTINATION: Visit the Most Impressive Glaciers of the Chilean Patagonia

Over 80% of Latin America’s glaciers are in Chile. Therefore, the Chilean Patagonia offers hundreds of tours and excursions to view these impressive glaciers. Read more…

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Connecting to Nature with the Wild Swimming Brothers

Wild swimming is described as the practice of swimming for pleasure in natural waters such as rivers, ponds, streams, rivers and the ocean. The experience can be liberating… Read more…

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Holy Crab: Sailing to a Remote Micronesian Island Dedicated to Conservation

Braving the swells of the Pacific Ocean’s deepest waters aboard a fifty-foot sailboat is not an easy feat, but for the sailors of Okeanos Marianas the arduous journey to meet the mythical chief of Gaferut island was worth the trip. Read more…

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4ocean partners with Air Canada to reduce single-use plastics

4ocean, the global ocean cleanup company, announced it has partnered with Air Canada to reduce and eventually eliminate single-use plastics on the airline’s aircrafts and in its lounges. Read more…

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Mote Science Education Aquarium

Mote Marine Laboratory leadership is pleased to announce the selection of a partnership between a local construction management company and an international firm for the construction of Mote Science Education Aquarium. Read more…

SEVENSEAS FEATURED TRAVEL

Below are a few of our favorite tour centers and operators. Be sure to mention SEVENSEAS Media for special rates and discounts when making your inquiry.

Susan Bruce Travel

We’ve been traveling, advising clients, and planning trips across the globe for over 30 years. We help you explore amazing places and people — from mountain sanctuaries in Bhutan to the jungles of Peru. Learn more…

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Oceanic Society Expeditions.

A selection of expeditions and volunteer vacations for our travellers that will further the mission to conserve marine wildlife and habitats. More info.

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Alelí Tours Puerto Rico

Alelí Tours is a small-scale ecotourism business located in La Parguera, southwest Puerto Rico. More info.

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Isla Mar Research Expeditions – Field Courses in Puerto Rico

A field course coordination company in Puerto Rico that specializes in organizing and hosting island ecology (marine/terrestrial) themed courses. More info.

Marine Megafauna Foundation

Our mission is to save threatened marine life using pioneering research, education, and sustainable conservation solutions, working towards a world where marine life and humans thrive together. Read more… More info.

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Bangkok Photo Tours.

We visit traditional sights but focus on markets, street art, and local food. All camera forward and environmentally sensitive. More info.

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Pangaea Ocean Sailing Expedition

Panex is opening up sailing expeditions for guest crew. This is an unique opportunity to go sailing, cross an ocean, and be a part of something bigger. More info.

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SEE Turtles

…protect endangered turtles throughout Latin America and the world by supporting community-based conservation efforts through ecotourism, education, and Billion Baby Turtles. More info.

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Scuba Junkie Dive Centers

A personal favorite from SEVENSEAS Media. Go to Sipadan, Mabul, Kapalai, Sibuan, Mantabuan, Mataking, and more. More info.

Ever dream of swimming with humpback whales? Now you can.

If you are interested in swimming with or photographing humpback whales Karim guides… More info.

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Loggerhead Marinelife Center.

Imagine roaming some of the world’s most beautiful ecosystems. Gorgeous vistas, affordable travel and amazing memories; immersing yourself in the sounds of nature. More info.

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Pete Oxford Expeditions.

We offer unique, small group expeditions for travelers and photographers to remote and pristine destinations and cultures around the world. More info.

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Alnitak Conservation in Action on Volunteer Expeditions

Alnitak is a grassroots marine science organization dedicated to the conservation of biodiversity in our oceans. From May through to October, we run expeditions to survey the rich waters in the Balearic Sea, inviting any ocean enthusiasts to join us on board. Our expeditions take place in the stunning Cabrera National Park and the Menorca Biosphere Reserve. Read more…

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.

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