So since I last wrote I have read a few articles regarding sharks and life in the ocean. The one that stood out was the article on Richard Branson's decision to help the oceans.
Richard Branson (head of the company Virgin) who is a very powerful and influential person has claimed 2013 to be the year of the OCEAN!
Here is a part of his blog :) its a great blog to read and he is a great person to help raise awareness for the oceans.
http://www.virgin.com/richard-branson/blog/2013-will-be-the-year-of-the-ocean
Thursday, 31 January 2013
Summer 2013
I am super excited for my summer. This year I have decided that, because I loved working to build a turtle nursery, patrolling the beach and learning about the different turtles last year, I have decided that I really want to broaden my knowledge of turtles and what is threatening them so that I can spread awareness of how human activity is affecting not only the top predators such as sharks and tuna but also ocean reptiles and peaceful animals such as the giant manta ray.
The way I have decided to do this is by applying to a course in Mexico known as "Projects abroad". Its a company which sends volunteers to work all around the world, working on what they want to focus on to make the world a better place. I decided to apply for 2 weeks in Mexico so that I could work with turtles along the pacific coast and also because I would love to improve my spanish at the same time.
Another good thing about it is that I need to raise funds to go and so I have to fundraise and do challenges, which is great practice for DORSAL. Also the challenge i am doing at the moment is 100miles in 60 days, running, I have asked family and friends to sponsor me if they would like to. Its great! I am not a big runner but now having this goal I have to get out and run everyday which helps not only my focus in school but makes me so much happier. I would never admit it to my parents who have told me since i was little that exercise can make you a happier more alive person...Its awesome :) Now it has become one of the things I look forward to do everyday.
So that is was I have planned. Hopefully with this greater awareness I can educate people on the ocean as a whole and how it is so important, not only to the creatures in the ocean but also for land animals including humans.
If I can persuade you to do anything, other then raise awareness of the oceans plight, it would be to run or do some sort of exercise everyday. It just makes you smile and laugh more :)
The way I have decided to do this is by applying to a course in Mexico known as "Projects abroad". Its a company which sends volunteers to work all around the world, working on what they want to focus on to make the world a better place. I decided to apply for 2 weeks in Mexico so that I could work with turtles along the pacific coast and also because I would love to improve my spanish at the same time.
Another good thing about it is that I need to raise funds to go and so I have to fundraise and do challenges, which is great practice for DORSAL. Also the challenge i am doing at the moment is 100miles in 60 days, running, I have asked family and friends to sponsor me if they would like to. Its great! I am not a big runner but now having this goal I have to get out and run everyday which helps not only my focus in school but makes me so much happier. I would never admit it to my parents who have told me since i was little that exercise can make you a happier more alive person...Its awesome :) Now it has become one of the things I look forward to do everyday.
So that is was I have planned. Hopefully with this greater awareness I can educate people on the ocean as a whole and how it is so important, not only to the creatures in the ocean but also for land animals including humans.
If I can persuade you to do anything, other then raise awareness of the oceans plight, it would be to run or do some sort of exercise everyday. It just makes you smile and laugh more :)
 |
| Olive Ridley turtle |
Monday, 7 January 2013
Will people respond?
Recently in the London newspaper known as the Metro published shocking photos of sharks fins and a few paragraphs on what was happening and what was being done.
Below is a link on shark finning, it is pretty horrific yet in a widely read newspaper, which fingers crossed means lots of people have read the article.
http://metro.co.uk/2013/01/02/shocking-images-from-hong-kong-show-the-sharks-slaughtered-every-year-for-soup-3335911/
Below is a link on shark finning, it is pretty horrific yet in a widely read newspaper, which fingers crossed means lots of people have read the article.
http://metro.co.uk/2013/01/02/shocking-images-from-hong-kong-show-the-sharks-slaughtered-every-year-for-soup-3335911/
Monday, 17 December 2012
Successes
2012 has been a successful year for sharks and rays. Here are a few of the good events that have occurred:
- Shark Count started to record numbers
- First report published on destruction of Manta and Mobula Rays
- More MPA (marine protected areas) developed in the Pacific regions and islands
- A huge amount of awareness spreads through Singapore and China
- Some states in the USA banning the important and distribution of shark fins
- London starting to become aware due to more conservation information accessible to the public.
- European cities think about the laws surrounding fishing of sharks.
There is a lot more that happened during the year and hopefully more good news to come this upcoming year!
Sunday, 11 November 2012
Talking with Richard Branson with Guy Harvey about the environment.
Wow!
What an amazing chance. I was able to talk to Richard Branson about businesses and the environment. I was in the room with both Guy Harvey and Richard Branson as they had a fascinating discussion about the oceans, different methods of business and methods of spreading awareness through research and through the internet. Jess Harvey was also there asking very interesting questions to him and telling him about the conservation laws around Cayman.
Richard Branson was down in Cayman as a speaker in a conference, it was joined onto the Legends tennis event. I am so incredibly lucky to have been able to have this chance to talk to Richard Branson and listen to him speak about the future. It was really inspiring to be in the presence of someone who really had put there mind to something and run with it. Just goes to show what you can do if you have the will to do it.
(pictures will come soon)
What an amazing chance. I was able to talk to Richard Branson about businesses and the environment. I was in the room with both Guy Harvey and Richard Branson as they had a fascinating discussion about the oceans, different methods of business and methods of spreading awareness through research and through the internet. Jess Harvey was also there asking very interesting questions to him and telling him about the conservation laws around Cayman.
Richard Branson was down in Cayman as a speaker in a conference, it was joined onto the Legends tennis event. I am so incredibly lucky to have been able to have this chance to talk to Richard Branson and listen to him speak about the future. It was really inspiring to be in the presence of someone who really had put there mind to something and run with it. Just goes to show what you can do if you have the will to do it.
(pictures will come soon)
Monday, 5 November 2012
Tiger Beach, Bahamas
There are basically no words to describe what an unbelievable experience I had while diving with such incredible and powerful creatures.
I arrived at the airport to be greeted by Guy Harvey and his daughter Jessica Harvey who were part of the group of people on the trip and Guy Harvey was the person who invited my along.
We met all those going on the trip and then we boarded the boat, got ready and then tucked into bed. The boat was leaving at 3am in the morning and we were hoping to get to Tiger Beach by 9am. On the first morning we released some baby turtles which had been raised by a university in Florida. They were adorable and knew exactly how to swim as soon as they touched the water.
My first dive: It was nerve racking to listen to the safety demonstration and hear about all the things that could go wrong. But as soon as I got into the water and could see the sharks I was completely calm. Caribbean reef sharks and Lemon sharks swam around us. They were amazing. No longer was I scared I was in awe of these beautiful creatures. It was an incredible first day and start to the trip.
Second Day: It started with an early start and a very chilled morning. We went diving, the bottom was sandy and not very deep. There were so many lemon sharks around and I got used to their 7 ft - 10 ft bodies around me. I went up after and hour and as I was just about to finish up for the day a Tiger shark was sighted! We all got carefully into the water, at this time it was around sunset so the dark water was descending. I spun around and I didn't spot the Tiger immediately but after a bit Jim Abernethy (A famous wildlife photographer and in charge on the trip) gestured for me to come closer to the bait crates just as the big female tiger shark swooped in coming within inches of me. She was beautiful the pattern on her standing out even in the fading darkness. The lemon sharks and reef sharks held your attention but the Tiger held me captive in her beauty and power.
Third Day: Deep dive today. Went down near a reef. Tiger sharks drifted in and out of view and the rest of the sharks swarmed around us. It was beautiful down there. Unfortunately as much as i would have liked to spend all day down there, I had to go up for my surface interval which needed to be quite long as I was on air rather then Nitrox. I went down again and the Tiger sharks were getting bolder, as I was sitting next to Jim Abernethy on the bottom a big female Tiger shark came up wanting her head/snout rubbed. I gave her a small rub. It was amazing her skin was rough like a lemon sharks but a completely different texture. Wow. How was I supposed to go back to reality after this incredible trip?
Day Four: Again a deep dive in the same spot. Amazing as the day before maybe even more so due to the fact that I was now quite comfortable with the Tiger sharks coming in and out of view. They came closer every time they past. I believe there was four different tiger sharks sighted while I was down there. Hanging onto the drop line for a safety stop was quite unnerving as the tiger sharks were harder to see from further up in the water. Its crazy to think that I actually feel safer down here with 20+ sharks then crossing the road in London.
Day Five: It started with an early dive with occasional Tigers approaching and of course lots of Lemons and Reef sharks all around. Every day is so incredible, every time I am in the water my confidence grows and since I have seen these beautiful sharks up close I know I must do something to stop there decimation. It has been hard to write as the days are so full with sharks and so many new experiences.
Sixth Day: Sandy bottom and an early dive. I lay down on the sand so I could be at the same level as the sharks gliding across the bottom. It was great to see from their vantage point. I love these creatures so much. They are so powerful as they effortlessly fly through the water. Tiger sharks were sighted, they look at you with such clear expression, demanding respect. The pattern painted on them is mesmerizing. They came close towards the food crates, circling around skimming our heads.
In the evening I did my sort of night dive, starting at around 5:50pm and staying down there till 7:05pm. It was absolutely magical because although there were not any Tiger sharks, Lemons sharks still swam around as the water turned dark. I thought diving at night was going to be scary especially with sharks but it was one of the most peaceful dives I have ever done.
Day 7 (last day): Woke up bright and early to watch the sunrise, it was very calm and picturesque seeing the Lemon sharks fins skim the surface right under the glowing ball that was the sun. This day was probably my favorite, but still not sure because all the days were so amazing. Although a bit chaotic down in the water at first it was much better once everyone was certain what to do. There were so many Tiger sharks drifting in and out of view. I stayed down for an hour and a half, my eyes were huge as I watched these huge, powerful creatures swim gracefully through the water. They were curious of us and of the smell of the bait in the water. I went back up and then straight back down after my tank was filled up with air. I stayed down there for almost 2 hours. This part was my favorite as I befriended a Tiger shark who kept on coming around to see me and brush against me wanting her snout rubbed. She was such a beautiful and inquisitive shark. It made the trip so much better to have one Tiger shark in particular single you out and repeatedly come round again and again. It was such an incredible last dive that I will certainly not forget.
Evening: We were under way back to Palm Beach when suddenly the fishing rod screamed with a fish on the line. Chad (one of the crew) had over an hours fight with the fish that turned out to be a Blue Marlin. It was the first time I had seen a bill fish. The colours were amazing, purples and blues streaked on the side of it. What a great way to end an already fantastic trip.
The overall trip was magnificent. I had so many new experiences, met some passionate and interesting people all drawn to the ocean. It was a once in a life time opportunity and one of the most amazing experiences that I have had.
I arrived at the airport to be greeted by Guy Harvey and his daughter Jessica Harvey who were part of the group of people on the trip and Guy Harvey was the person who invited my along.
We met all those going on the trip and then we boarded the boat, got ready and then tucked into bed. The boat was leaving at 3am in the morning and we were hoping to get to Tiger Beach by 9am. On the first morning we released some baby turtles which had been raised by a university in Florida. They were adorable and knew exactly how to swim as soon as they touched the water.
 |
| Me and Lemon shark on my first dive. |
Second Day: It started with an early start and a very chilled morning. We went diving, the bottom was sandy and not very deep. There were so many lemon sharks around and I got used to their 7 ft - 10 ft bodies around me. I went up after and hour and as I was just about to finish up for the day a Tiger shark was sighted! We all got carefully into the water, at this time it was around sunset so the dark water was descending. I spun around and I didn't spot the Tiger immediately but after a bit Jim Abernethy (A famous wildlife photographer and in charge on the trip) gestured for me to come closer to the bait crates just as the big female tiger shark swooped in coming within inches of me. She was beautiful the pattern on her standing out even in the fading darkness. The lemon sharks and reef sharks held your attention but the Tiger held me captive in her beauty and power.
 |
| Down at 60ft with the Reef sharks. |
 |
| Beautiful Tiger. |
 |
| Curious Tiger shark with me watching captivated in the background. |
Day Five: It started with an early dive with occasional Tigers approaching and of course lots of Lemons and Reef sharks all around. Every day is so incredible, every time I am in the water my confidence grows and since I have seen these beautiful sharks up close I know I must do something to stop there decimation. It has been hard to write as the days are so full with sharks and so many new experiences.
Sixth Day: Sandy bottom and an early dive. I lay down on the sand so I could be at the same level as the sharks gliding across the bottom. It was great to see from their vantage point. I love these creatures so much. They are so powerful as they effortlessly fly through the water. Tiger sharks were sighted, they look at you with such clear expression, demanding respect. The pattern painted on them is mesmerizing. They came close towards the food crates, circling around skimming our heads.
 |
| I believe this shark is called Mattie and may be the one that befriended me. |
Day 7 (last day): Woke up bright and early to watch the sunrise, it was very calm and picturesque seeing the Lemon sharks fins skim the surface right under the glowing ball that was the sun. This day was probably my favorite, but still not sure because all the days were so amazing. Although a bit chaotic down in the water at first it was much better once everyone was certain what to do. There were so many Tiger sharks drifting in and out of view. I stayed down for an hour and a half, my eyes were huge as I watched these huge, powerful creatures swim gracefully through the water. They were curious of us and of the smell of the bait in the water. I went back up and then straight back down after my tank was filled up with air. I stayed down there for almost 2 hours. This part was my favorite as I befriended a Tiger shark who kept on coming around to see me and brush against me wanting her snout rubbed. She was such a beautiful and inquisitive shark. It made the trip so much better to have one Tiger shark in particular single you out and repeatedly come round again and again. It was such an incredible last dive that I will certainly not forget.
 |
| Sniffing the ocean floor like a curious terrier. |
Evening: We were under way back to Palm Beach when suddenly the fishing rod screamed with a fish on the line. Chad (one of the crew) had over an hours fight with the fish that turned out to be a Blue Marlin. It was the first time I had seen a bill fish. The colours were amazing, purples and blues streaked on the side of it. What a great way to end an already fantastic trip.
The overall trip was magnificent. I had so many new experiences, met some passionate and interesting people all drawn to the ocean. It was a once in a life time opportunity and one of the most amazing experiences that I have had.
 |
| Me and a Tiger shark on the last day. What an awesome experience! |
Wednesday, 10 October 2012
Shark Diving
Tomorrow I fly to the Bahamas in order to take part in a research, tagging and filming team. We are diving with Tiger sharks. I am going for a 1.5 weeks. I will give a full update next Friday.
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