Photo Credit: Tina Zhao, Great White Shark / Wildlife Forever.

White Bear Lake, MN (May 2, 2025) – Wildlife Forever is thrilled to announce the winners of the 2025 Guy Harvey Shark Award, a special award division within the Art of Conservation® Fish Art Contest sponsored by the Guy Harvey Foundation. This award celebrates outstanding student artwork that raises awareness about sharks and their conservation needs.

The 2025 Guy Harvey Shark Award winners are:

• K–3rd Grade: Wenhao Xia, MA – Atlantic Shark
• 4th–6th Grade: Ruiyi Fan, AZ – Hammerhead Shark
• 7th–9th Grade: Selene Li, NJ – Great White Shark
• 10th–12th Grade: Tina Zhao, WA – Great White Shark

For full resolution winning artworks, please visit: www.theartofconservation.org/shark-award-winners

“Guy Harvey has built his life on using artwork to show the beauty of the undersea world and convey messages of conservation. We are proud to support Wildlife Forever’s Fish Art Contest, which encourages students to be creative and express their appreciation for sharks and our oceans,” said Greg Jacoski, Executive Director, Research and Policy at the Guy Harvey Foundation.

To be eligible for the award, students submitted original artwork of any shark species along with a written piece relevant to their chosen species. Winners receive a signed print from world-renowned marine artist and conservationist Dr. Guy Harvey, valued at up to $200, along with additional recognition.

“At Wildlife Forever, we believe art has the power to connect people to conservation in a personal and lasting way. These students used their creativity to champion sharks and the vital role they play in our oceans, and we are honored to celebrate their incredible work,” said Veronica Mangio, Education and Marketing Manager at Wildlife Forever.

To view all winning entries from the 2024-25 Fish Art Contest, visit www.FishArt.org.

About Wildlife Forever:

Wildlife Forever is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to conserving America’s outdoor heritage through conservation education, habitat restoration, and scientific management of fish and wildlife.  With a commitment to maximizing impact, 96% of every dollar donated goes directly to conservation programs. Learn more about the Art of Conservation® Fish Art Contest™, Songbird Art Contest™, Clean Drain Dry Initiative™, Getting Families Fishing & Boating Initiative™, and Prairie City USA® at www.WildlifeForever.org.

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.
Facebook: www.facebook.com/GuyHarveyOcean,
Twitter: www.twitter.com/GuyHarveyOcean, or connect on
Instagram: www.instagram.com/GuyHarveyOcean.

Image credit: © Stephanie Keith / Greenpeace

As publishers connecting the global ocean conservation community, we’ve watched with growing concern as the United States government signals a controversial shift on deep-sea mining. The plan is to support mining operations outside the established United Nations framework – specifically bypassing the International Seabed Authority (ISA). This UN body is responsible for regulating mineral activities in international waters. An executive order signed April 24 directs U.S. agencies to fast-track permits using only national law. For us, and for the many working on the front lines of ocean protection whom we connect with daily, this move raises significant alarm and challenges the collaborative international approach vital for protecting our shared seas.

Why Bypassing Global Oversight Matters

This move leverages the U.S. Deep Seabed Hard Mineral Resources Act (DSHMRA), essentially creating a separate, national pathway for mining permits. It sidesteps the environmental standards and collective decision-making the ISA is painstakingly developing. What makes this particularly jarring is that the U.S. benefits substantially from the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS)—the very treaty that established the ISA—even though it hasn’t officially signed it. We’ve seen the U.S. use UNCLOS provisions to claim vast seabed territories, making this departure from its spirit even more concerning.

This action feels like it undermines the ISA’s authority when international cooperation is most needed. It follows recent ISA meetings where over 20 nations pushed for stronger environmental rules. Furthermore, the new ISA Secretary-General, Leticia Carvalho, has clearly condemned efforts to bypass the Authority’s governance structure.

Weighing Corporate Interests and Environmental Risks

The immediate focus is on The Metals Company (TMC) and its ambition to mine the resource-rich Clarion-Clipperton Zone in the Pacific – an area teeming with unique life far outside U.S. waters. Their apparent willingness to proceed without full ISA approval is a major point of contention. Indeed, during the ISA’s recent 30th Council session, ISA Member States and Secretary-General Carvalho swiftly condemned an earlier announcement from TMC as a blatant attempt to sidestep international law and undermine multilateral governance.

From our vantage point, connecting researchers and conservationists globally, the potential ecological fallout is immense. As Arlo Hemphill of Greenpeace USA aptly put it, “Authorizing deep-sea mining outside international law is like lighting a match in a room full of dynamite… It threatens ecosystems, global cooperation, and U.S. credibility all at once.” While this order speeds up the process, it’s crucial to remember, as Greenpeace notes, that significant resistance is likely, just as previous attempts faced.

A Divided World and a Fractured Consensus?

This unilateral stance feels increasingly out of step with the global mood. We see a growing international coalition – now 32 countries – calling for a moratorium or at least a precautionary pause on deep-sea mining. Alongside these governments, millions of people worldwide have spoken out against this dangerous emerging industry. They rightly cite the risk of irreversible harm to fragile deep-sea ecosystems. These are habitats critical for biodiversity and climate regulation, ecosystems we strive to highlight and explain. The simple truth is, we still know far too little about the potential impacts of large-scale mining in these remote environments.

This U.S. action risks damaging the global consensus on ocean management carefully built over decades. It forces us to ask hard questions about how we manage shared resources fairly and responsibly. We hear constantly from scientists and conservationists working tirelessly, often in isolated conditions, and for them, this disregard for multilateralism can feel like a significant setback.

The Path Forward

The push for deep-sea mining is gaining speed against a backdrop of serious global opposition. We believe this puts the international community at a critical crossroads. Protecting our shared ocean demands robust global cooperation, transparent rules, and decisions grounded in science – principles we know resonate deeply across the network of people dedicated to ocean health. How the world navigates this challenge will profoundly shape the future of ocean stewardship.

In a world where the ocean’s health directly impacts life on Earth, supporting innovation in marine technology is more critical than ever. That’s precisely the mission Seaworthy Collective has embraced—and in 2025, the Miami-based nonprofit is taking its commitment to ocean impact even further.

On April 21, 2025, Seaworthy Collective opens applications for Cohort 6 of The Continuum Ocean Enterprise Studio & Incubator, an updated version of its flagship Startup Program. Designed for U.S.-based startups, this year’s program exclusively supports ocean data technologies and services, reflecting a strategic collaboration with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and its Ocean Enterprise Initiative. The deadline to apply is June 26, 2025.

Seaworthy’s expanded role in its $14 million partnership with NOAA, known as The Continuum, underscores its growing influence in the BlueTech space. The Continuum is a coordinated network of ocean enterprise accelerators—including Braid Theory, Ocean Exchange, St. Pete Innovation District, Tampa Bay Wave, World Ocean Council, and the University of South Florida—working to fast-track startups, scaling ocean impact more efficiently than ever.

Seaworthy’s expanded role in its $14 million partnership with NOAA, known as The Continuum, underscores its growing influence in the BlueTech space. The Continuum is a coordinated network of ocean enterprise accelerators—including Braid Theory, Ocean Exchange, St. Pete Innovation District, Tampa Bay Wave, World Ocean Council, and the University of South Florida—working to fast-track startups, scaling ocean impact more efficiently than ever.

“This cohort marks a new chapter in the partnership between NOAA and Seaworthy Collective! We are excited and optimistic about the innovation and opportunities that will arise from this program and the new ventures that Seaworthy Collective will be supporting as they build the next generation of blue economy businesses,” said Zack Baize, Program Manager of NOAA’s Ocean Enterprise Initiative.

Empowering Ocean Data Innovators

Startups selected for the Ocean Enterprise Studio & Incubator gain mentorship, funding opportunities, and access to an interconnected ecosystem of BlueTech leaders. Participants will be eligible for Technology Development Commercialization awards ranging from $10,000 to $50,000, further strengthening their ability to bring impactful ocean solutions to market.

The program’s evolution signals a new phase for Seaworthy Collective. “Our enhanced programming provides unprecedented access to support, connections, resources, and opportunities not only across Seaworthy’s network but also through our industry-leading partners,” said Daniel Kleinman, Founder & CEO of Seaworthy Collective. “This latest iteration of our program will be a catalyst for early-stage or aspiring BlueTech founders looking for clear pathways to navigate the blue economy.”

Expanding Access with The Shoreline

While this year’s cohort focuses solely on U.S.-based ocean data startups, Seaworthy has ensured that founders outside this scope still have access to tailored support. Enter The Shoreline, Seaworthy’s new subscription-based platform, which offers flexible guidance and essential industry resources without the intensive commitment of a full incubator program.

Startups looking to add ocean data collection or utilization capacities can tap into The Shoreline’s offerings, while non-U.S. BlueTech founders can access network connections, industry insights, resources, and personalized support at their own pace. Tamara Kahn Zissman, Director of Founder Success at Seaworthy Collective, emphasized the platform’s adaptability:

“We’re incredibly excited about championing startups leveraging technology to collect, analyze, and provide insights from ocean-related data. Even startups looking to add data collection or utilization capacities can get the targeted support they need to translate their technological advancements into impactful solutions.”

Shaping the Future of BlueTech

Applications for the Ocean Enterprise Studio & Incubator are open from April 21 through June 26, 2025. Founders looking to accelerate their ocean-impact ventures can apply at seaworthycollective.com/seachange.

For startups seeking flexible access to resources, The Shoreline is currently welcoming beta subscribers with an exclusive 40% discount using code BETA40. Details can be found at shoreline.community.

Since its founding, Seaworthy Collective has supported 40 BlueTech startups and 78 founders, collectively raising nearly $20 million in funding. With the next generation of ocean innovators on the horizon, The Continuum and The Shoreline are set to drive even greater impact for marine conservation and sustainable solutions.

For more information, visit Seaworthy Collective and The Continuum.

About Seaworthy Collective:
Seaworthy Collective is a Miami-based 501c3 nonprofit that supports current and aspiring entrepreneurs driving innovation for ocean impact (AKA BlueTech). Our mission is to bring all hands on deck for BlueTech, via programs to co-create and grow early-stage startups, build regional capacity, and educate our community. We empower Sea Change Makers – founders of all backgrounds leading profitable and planet-positive businesses. Since 2021, we’ve supported 40 BlueTech startups and 78 founders, who have raised almost $20 million since graduating. Based in Miami, our local and global community generates scalable solutions for 71% of the planet (our ocean) to regenerate 100% of the planet. Learn more at SeaworthyCollective.com

About The Continuum:
The Continuum is a coordinated network of ocean enterprise accelerators that fast-tracks startups getting to market by making support for BlueTech solutions more scalable, efficient, and interconnected. The Continuum partners include Braid Theory, Ocean Exchange, Seaworthy Collective, St. Pete Innovation District, Tampa Bay Wave, World Ocean Council, and the University of South Florida. Learn more on our website at: https://www.tampabaywave.org/the-continuum