Issue 112 - September 2024
Guy Harvey Foundation Announces Educational Partnership with Florida Fin Fest

Guy Harvey Foundation (GHF), the non-profit organization that promotes marine conservation, funds innovative scientific research and develops cutting-edge educational programs for students, has announced a partnership with Florida Fin Fest, a free ocean conservation, education and music festival presented by Natural Life September 13-14 in Jacksonville Beach, Florida.
“We are thrilled to partner with Florida Fin Fest with activations in the Education Village,” said Jessica Harvey, CEO of the Guy Harvey Foundation. “Education is so vital, particularly as we foster the next era of marine conservationists. We want to inspire and encourage a better understanding of marine wildlife and how to conserve our precious resources.”
The Guy Harvey Foundation will host a series of free engaging 30-minute fish printing and mural painting activations in the Education Village at the Seawalk Pavilion. The 30-minute sessions, set for Friday, Sept. 13 at 5 and 6 p.m. and Saturday, Sept. 14 between noon and 5 p.m. Attendees are invited to add their creativity to complete a mural outlined by world-renowned artist, conservationist and scientist Dr. Guy Harvey.
Attendees can also purchase Guy Harvey Lokai bracelets featuring his iconic artwork. A portion of sales from the bracelets benefit ocean conservation through the Guy Harvey Foundation. All Lokai bracelets carry a small bead filled with elements from the highest and lowest points on Earth, water from Mount Everest and mud from the Dead Sea, reminding those who wear them to stay humble during life’s peaks and hopeful during its lows.
For more information please visit Florida Fin Fest at www.flfinfest.com, or Guy Harvey Foundation at www.guyharveyfoundation.org.

About Guy Harvey
Guy Harvey is a world-renowned marine wildlife artist, scientist, diver, angler, conservationist and explorer, fiercely devoted to his family and his love of the sea. His childhood passion for the ocean and its living creatures not only inspired him to draw, but fueled a burning interest that prompted a formal education in marine science and later, earned his Ph.D. from the University of the West Indies. The Guy Harvey brand brings the undersea world into everyday life through various licensed products including apparel, artwork, home goods and gift items that can be found in various retailers within the US, Caribbean and Central America. With over 1 million followers on social media, the Guy Harvey brand has a wide demographic base of outdoor and water enthusiasts and helps benefit marine conservation through the research and education work of the Guy Harvey Foundation. To learn more about Guy Harvey apparel, please visit www.guyharvey.com.
About the Guy Harvey Foundation
With a focused mission to better understand and conserve the ocean environment, the Guy Harvey Foundation (GHF) collaborates with local, national and international organizations to conduct scientific research and provides funding to affiliated researchers who share this objective. The GHF also develops and hosts cutting-edge educational programs that help educators to foster the next era of marine conservationists, ensuring that future generations can enjoy and benefit from a properly balanced ocean ecosystem. For more information, visit www.GuyHarveyFoundation.org. Follow the GHF on Facebook at www.facebook.com/GuyHarveyOcean, on Twitter at www.twitter.com/GuyHarveyOcean, or connect on Instagram at www.instagram.com/GuyHarveyOcean.
About Florida Fin Fest
Florida Fin Fest presented by Natural Life heads into year 4 of the festival, attracting over 30,000 attendees from around the United States. The festival partners with various conservation-minded organizations to activate an educational village on the event footprint. Speaker panels and educational activations will inspire attendees of all ages to learn more about protecting our natural resources while grooving to the music. Florida Fin Fest also prides itself on prohibiting any single use plastics from being used on site.
Flipturn, St. Paul & The Broken Bones, Stop Light Observation, Paco Versailles, Vincent Antone, Prizilla, Speakeasy, Faze Wave, Brave Baby, and Madison Hughes make for an incredible weekend lineup of energizing music.
Event access is divided into free-to-the-public general admission (GA) and a VIP experience where patrons can access unlimited beer and seltzer options along with food from The Local Neptune Beach, all while enjoying optimal views of the stage. An upgraded Platinum VIP experience can be purchased and it includes pre- and after-party invitations and access to air-conditioned viewing decks.
For more information, please visit the official Florida Fin Fest website at www.flfinfest.com. Stay connected and receive updates by following us on social media @flfinfest.
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Issue 112 - September 2024
SEVENSEAS Travel Magazine – September 2024 – Issue 112

Easter Island, Hard Work & Good Cheer for a Changing Climate-Challenged World
The anchor chain clinked and clanked through the hawsehole on the Dutch tall ship Oosterschelde until the large anchor set into white coral sands turned periwinkle blue by clear ocean waters. Read more…
New Seamount & Previously Unknown Species Discovered in High Priority Area for International Marine Protection
A team of oceanographers led by Schmidt Ocean Institute has discovered and mapped a new seamount on the Nazca Ridge in international waters, 900 miles off the coast of Chile. Read more…
The Wildlife Photographer of The Year in Milan Will be Even More Special This Year
‘The most prestigious nature photography exhibition in the world, featuring the 100 winning shots from the 60th edition of the competition organized by the Natural History Museum in London, will be presented for the first time in Milan. Read more…
SEVENSEAS Media Takes a Stand Against Shark Fin Consumption in Thailand
Despite global awareness of the devastating impact of shark finning on marine ecosystems, the practice continues, driven by outdated traditions and misconceptions about status. Our campaign is dedicated to educating and empowering the younger generation to take charge of changing these harmful habits. Read more…
Guy Harvey Foundation Announces Educational Partnership with Florida Fin Fest
Guy Harvey Foundation (GHF), the non-profit organization that promotes marine conservation, funds innovative scientific research, and develops cutting-edge educational programs for students, has announced a partnership with Florida Fin Fest. Read more…
Announcing a New Partnership Between SEVENSEAS Media and Deep Sea Reporter
Together, by pooling our resources and expertise, we aim to amplify our shared message, that a healthy ocean is crucial to life on Earth. This collaboration enables us to reach broader audiences and present richer, more comprehensive content than ever before. Read more…
Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands; 3rd September 2024: It’s no secret that coral reefs and other ocean habitats are having a hard time as our planet faces unprecedented challenges and rapidly changing conditions. The need to protect and restore coral reefs has never been more urgent. The Central Caribbean Marine Institute (CCMI) is using the annual Festival of Seas gala in November as a way to prompt public interest in taking positive action for coral reefs at what is a critical time for the ocean. More info…
Feature Destination: The Cayman Islands
The Cayman Islands, a collection of three small but ecologically rich islands nestled in the Caribbean Sea, offer more than just a tropical escape. Known for their crystalline waters, vibrant coral reefs, and steadfast commitment to environmental preservation. Read more…
Calling All Photographers to Celebrate the Natural Beauty of the Cayman Islands
On June 7th, 2024, the Central Caribbean Marine Institute (CCMI) launched the Coral Reef Horizons photography competition, inviting photographers of all abilities to submit their images that celebrate the vibrant coral reefs of Cayman and the diversity of life that relies upon them. See more…
Feature Destination: Cayman Islands CCMI Festival of Seas
Join the Central Caribbean Marine Institute (CCMI) as we look toward the horizon, the future, and what it means for coral reefs. The heating and disease events of last summer suggest that the impacts of climate change on coral reefs are intensifying. Read more…
Guy Harvey and 4ocean Release New Limited Edition Product Line

Guy Harvey, world-renowned marine wildlife artist, scientist and conservationist, has once again partnered with 4ocean, a global leader in ocean cleanup, to introduce two limited edition t-shirts and a braided shark bracelet, available exclusively on 4ocean.com. Read more…
Guy Harvey Partners with Ukes USA to Launch Premium Sunglass Straps Collection

World-renowned marine wildlife artist, scientist and conservationist Dr. Guy Harvey, has partnered with Ukes USA, an innovative eyeglass retainer brand known for uniquely designed products in vibrant colors. See more…
Sustainable Tourism in Hawaii: How to Travel Responsibly
A unique natural oasis, the Hawaiian archipelago has been attracting leisure-seeking travelers for over a century. And this is not much of a surprise. Considering the attractiveness of the islands, coupled with a hefty marketing spend, Hawaii regularly tops the list of the most desired holiday destinations for US tourists. Read more…
Bait Ball Massacre – Under the Waves with Karim Iliya, September 2024

A sure death for this small fish, as the marlin jumped out of the water, spearing the little fish as it landed. Here, striped marlins congregate near a sea lion colony where they bring fish up from the depths, corral them into tight balls, and pick them off one by one. Read more…
Nominations For the 2025 Peter Benchley Ocean Awards™ Are Now Open!

Nominations for the prestigious Peter Benchley Ocean Awards™ are open now through November 18th. Often referred to as the ‘Academy Awards for the Ocean’, these honors commemorate Peter Benchley. 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 Here.
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Issue 112 - September 2024
Nominations For the 2025 Peter Benchley Ocean Awards™ Are Now Open!

Nominations for the prestigious Peter Benchley Ocean Awards™ are open now through November 18th. Often referred to as the ‘Academy Awards for the Ocean’, these honors commemorate Peter Benchley, a lifelong advocate for sharks and ocean preservation and the renowned author of the iconic novel Jaws. Founded to recognize individuals across an array of fields that impact the ocean, the Peter Benchley Ocean Awards™ honor those providing innovative solutions to the challenges facing our ocean, ecosystems, wildlife, and climate. Award categories include:
- Excellence in National Leadership – Awarded to the representative of a nation that has made an exceptional contribution to the conservation, restoration, and appreciation of our global ocean.
- Excellence in Policy—Awarded to an individual who contributes to advancing the cause of sustainable ocean use and conservation based on the best available science and through the establishment of effective and enforceable laws and regulations.
- Excellence in Action—Awarded to a marine grassroots organization, team, or individual that has made a major and long-term commitment to improving the quality of our oceans and the communities that depend on them.
- Excellence in Science and Exploration—Awarded to an individual or organization that contributes to our understanding of the ocean through cutting-edge marine science and/or bold exploration and courageous efforts to uncover new and different aspects of our ocean planet.
- Excellence in Media – Awarded to an individual or media outlet that showcases an exceptional ability to communicate ocean issues of concern to the public in ways that inform and/or inspire people to act as engaged citizens.
- Excellence in Sustainable Business Solutions – Awarded to a business that helps find or create sustainable solutions to one of the many environmental challenges confronting our ocean.
- Christopher Benchley Youth Award – Awarded to a young person who, early in life, has already made a significant contribution to marine conservation and public education about our ocean.
- Ocean Hero—Awarded to an individual who shows exceptional ability in communicating ocean issues of concern to the public in ways that inform and/or inspire people to act.
The selection process for the Peter Benchley Ocean Awards™ is overseen by a respected committee of ocean conservation leaders, ensuring a fair and rigorous selection process that upholds the high standards and values of the awards. The 2025 Selection Committee includes:
- Wendy Benchley – Ocean Conservation and Policy Advocate
- Jasmin Grahm – CEO and Co-Founder, Minorities in Shark Sciences
- Dr. Sylvia Earle – Pioneering Oceanographer, National Geographic Explorer in Residence, and Founder of Mission Blue Sylvia Earle Alliance
- David Helvarg – Author, Founder and Executive Director, Blue Frontier
- Kim McIntyre – Executive Director, Aquarium Conservation Partnership
- John Racanelli – CEO, National Aquarium
- Sean Russell – Director of Youth Engagement, EarthEcho International
- Dr. Enric Sala – National Geographic Explorer in Residence
- Vikki Spruill – CEO, New England Aquarium
- ‘Aulani Wilhelm – Chief Strategy & External Relations Officer, Nia Tero
The Peter Benchley Ocean Awards™ mark their return in collaboration with the Aquarium Conservation Partnership (ACP) on May 1, 2025, at the National Aquarium in Baltimore, MD in time to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the original release of the movie Jaws. Past honorees can be found here.
About the Peter Benchley Ocean Awards™
The Peter Benchley Ocean Awards was co-founded by Wendy Benchley and David Helvarg and named in honor of Peter Benchley, author of Jaws and lifelong shark and ocean advocate. The Benchley Awards recognize and celebrate the work and dedication of individuals committed to ocean conservation excellence. https://peterbenchleyoceanawards.org/
About ACP:
The Aquarium Conservation Partnership is a coalition of aquariums working together to increase our conservation impact. Collectively, our 31 members in 21 states and Canada welcome over 35 million visitors a year. ACP members advocate for policy change, advance federal and state conservation policies, mobilize audiences to take action and demonstrate our commitment to conservation in our business practices. Our mission is to safeguard ocean and freshwater ecosystems by aligning and supporting the conservation efforts of aquariums for greater collective and individual impact. https://www.aquariumconservation.org/
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Conservation Photography
Bait Ball Massacre – Under the Waves with Karim Iliya, September 2024

A sure death for this small fish, as the marlin jumped out of the water, spearing the little fish as it landed. Here, striped marlins congregate near a sea lion colony where they bring fish up from the depths, corral them into tight balls, and pick them off one by one. I spent three days documenting these feeding frenzies- watching countless terrified fish caught in the frays of nature’s greatest challenge. Low on the food chain, the fish’s best hope of survival is in the safety of numbers, but when dozens of apex predators gather, that can be their downfall. Many times a bait ball of fish is hunted down to the very last fish, leaving only the shimmering scales floating in the blue.

A terrifying scene for the small fish, fleeing for their lives as a striped marlin hunts them. Here, the slightest mistake means life or death as the marlin’s bill slices through the water during a high-speed hunt. These fish have very little respite, as birds try to hunt from above, and more than a dozen other marlin and sea lions all attack the same small ball of fish. Marlin is one of the fastest fish in the world, a terrifying predator for a small fish in the great blue desert. | When photographing wildlife moving at high speed such as fish or birds, it’s important to use a fast shutter speed to freeze the motion.
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 on small trips between August and October every year in Tonga. Visit www.dancewithwhales.com to find out more
To see more of Karim’s work, visit his website at www.karimphotography.com

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