Divers Secure Win for Sharks

As we approached the end of 2010, AWARE Divers succeeded in securing a win for sharks. 423 Members of European Parliament (MEP's) have listened to our collective scuba diving voice and signed on the Written Declaration for strengthening the European Union ban on shark finning, ensuring a majority needed for further action.

The European Parliament has now endorsed a resolution on shark finning calling on the EU Commission to deliver a proposal prohibiting the removal of shark fins on-board vessels.

AWARE divers, advocates and supporters like you were instrumental in bringing about this change through emails, letters and phone calls to your representatives. Together we have shown the commitment of European citizens around the world to the conservation of shark species.

Why do European fisheries policies make such a significant difference to shark populations worldwide?

Spanish fishing fleet catches account for over a quarter of all shark fins brought into Hong Kong - a hub for at least 50% and possibly up to 80% of world trade in shark fins

• European fisheries have a major impact on fisheries worldwide - Spain, Portugal the UK and France are among the world's top 20 shark fishing nations responsible for 80 percent of the global catch.
• Non-EU governments and international fisheries policy bodies all look toward the EU when implementing their shark catch limits and bans.
• Enforceable finning bans not only effectively halts the practice of finning but also provide important data about the species caught, vital for robust populations assessments and effective shark conservation and management.

This win could not come at a better time. Together we'll continue to battle for improved shark conservation measures, including work to ensure the EU Commission now comes up with an effective finning ban during 2011.

From all of us at Project AWARE Foundation - thank you.

Kind regards

Suzanne Pleydell
Policy Director, Project AWARE Foundation

You Can Help Give Sharks a Fighting Chance

Sharks are in the fight of their lives. Critical shark species - including hammerheads, oceanic whitetip and spiny dogfish - failed to receive international protection at the recent Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) meetings.  

Make a gift and help call for immediate protection of sharks worldwide. 

Global shark populations continue to decline - some by more than 90 percent in the last two decades. And they continue to be fished faster than they can reproduce.

Many scientists fear the worst. Losing these top predators has devastating impacts on our underwater ecosystems and local economies. When sharks disappear, entire food webs can shift and valuable economies become devastated. We need your help.  

Become a Project AWARE Patron today for just 25 ($, £, €) or more. With your support, Project AWARE is securing protection for sharks. We're working to close loopholes in shark legislation, support establishment of effective MPA networks and engage divers in underwater research, data collection and awareness projects.  

Your contribution will help continue fighting for sharks and sustainable ecosystem management. Thank you for helping secure a future for our underwater world.

Sincerely,

Dr. Drew Richardson
Chairman, Project AWARE Foundation

AWARE Our World, Our Water

Aquatic World Awareness, Responsibilty, and Education.

A book that overviews Coral Reef Ecology and Biology. It also has sections about threats to coral reefs, future solutions, and what you can do to help. Has a glossary too!

Read Project AWARE Our World, Our Water to learn about some of the serious problems facing today's aquatic ecosystems and find out how you can preserve these precious resources by implementing everyday solutions.

Whether you have a love for the oceans, lakes or rivers, or just like to enjoy a clean glass of drinking water, there's something in this book for you.

Download “AWARE Our World Our Water”
manual generously donated to
Project AWARE Foundation by PADI.

Note* This is a 10MB Adobe PDF document.
For faster download, right click on the link and
save the document on your hard drive.

Project AWARE Specialty Courses

Be an AWARE Underwater Photographer

Improve your underwater photography techniques and protect the environment at the same time. Regardless of skill level, Project AWARE Foundation’s Ten Tips for Underwater Photographers are a valuable asset for everyone.

Underwater photos can describe the beauty and diversity of our underwater environments as well as highlight the urgent need for conservation. Contribute your photos to a good cause by helping identify individual species such as whale sharks and highlighting conservation issues including coral bleaching, pollution, overfishing and marine litter.

However, there are a number of points to consider before attempting any photography in a fragile environment. Be sure to protect underwater environments before, during and after every dive. Download and share the Project AWARE's Ten Tips for Underwater Photographers. If you are a dive instructor or dive centre print this flyer for your students and make it a key part of your dive training.

These valuable conservation tips are translated into several languages. Click on your chosen language below.

• English
• French
• Spanish
• Portuguese
• German
• Italian
• Simplified Chinese
• Traditional Chinese
• Korean
• Japanese
• Russian
• Arabic

Be an AWARE Underwater Photographer

Protect the Sharks

Why do sharks need our protection? Many shark species are endangered and could soon become extinct without our help. According to the United Nation’s Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), approximately 100 million sharks are killed each year. Due to their slow growth, late sexual maturity and low number of offspring, they are susceptible to almost any fishing pressure.'

Few countries have shark management plans in place. And, the demand for shark products like shark meat, fins and cartilage further contributes to their decline.

Why should you help? Sharks play a vital role in the underwater ecosystem as part of nature’s complex system of checks and balances. Known as apex predators, they are at the top of the food chain, keeping other aquatic species populations healthy and balanced.
Project AWARE disseminates educational materials to public audiences of all ages to help create a worldwide awareness of shark issues. Protect the Sharks public service announcements (PSAs) continue to be broadcast on television and cable networks.

Project AWARE also supports state, federal and international legislative efforts to protect vulnerable shark species. Success stories so far include the US Shark Conservation Act of 2000, the Hawaii Shark Finning Prohibition Act, the shark finning ban in Australia and much more.

For a free Protect the Sharks educational brochure send your mailing address to: information@projectaware.org.


Protect the Sharks

Interactive SHARK WEEK: Bust Shark Myths on Your Mobile Phone

Contact: Tiffany Leite, Project AWARE Foundation
+1 949 858 7657 Ext. 2448, tiffany.leite@projectaware.org
Project AWARE Foundation and Discovery Mobile Advocate for Shark Conservation
Rancho Santa Margarita, CA – Project AWARE Foundation teams up with Discovery Mobile to help de-bunk shark myths and educate public audiences about the dire need for their conservation around America’s favorite summer television event, Discovery Channel’s SHARK WEEK.

Using your mobile phone, log on to m.sharkweek.com and select SHARK WEEK’s Bust the Myth Quiz. Challenge your knowledge on the mystery and power of sharks and the threats facing their survival worldwide.

Now in its 21^st year, SHARK WEEK airs nightly from July 27 to August 2 on Discovery Channel. This season’s programs address myths about sharks, spotlight lesser-known and unusual sharks, and educate the public about the importance of sharks through conservation information. As part of Discovery’s commitment to educating the public about the plight of sharks around the world, Discovery Mobile has partnered with Project AWARE Foundation to offer consumers this engaging and educational interactive application.

Project AWARE Foundation, also a member of the International Coral Reef Initiative (ICRI), a group made up of governments, regional, environmental and academic organizations, met recently and released a recommendation on improving shark conservation for coral reef resiliency. 

“The ICRI Recommendation makes it clear that as apex predators, sharks play a key role in maintaining healthy ecosystems,” states Jenny Miller Garmendia, Director for Project AWARE Foundation. “Fewer sharks can mean negative cascading effects across the food web. Loss of apex predators causes population changes that negatively impact reef and other marine ecosystems. We are depleting shark populations worldwide at alarming rates and it’s vital that we act now for their conservation. We’re excited to partner with Discovery Mobile in spreading the word on conservation during SHARK WEEK.”
Project AWARE Foundation, involved in shark conservation monitoring, education and initiatives for more than ten years, calls for your action during SHARK WEEK and beyond. What else can you do?

• Support the Shark Conservation Act of 2008 – which aims to end shark “finning” the practice of slicing off the shark fins and discarding the body at sea – Project AWARE and many conservation organizations are supporting the initiative. Find out more at www.projectaware.org.
• Submit Your Shark Conservation Images and Win Big – compelling images, including those of threatened shark species, are needed for conservation. Enter the Ocean in Focus Conservation Photography Contest and compete for top prizes at www.projectaware.org.

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Project AWARE Foundation, a registered nonprofit organization, works in direct partnership with divers and water enthusiasts to conserve underwater environments through education, advocacy and action. Project AWARE Headquarters in the United States and offices in Australia, United Kingdom, Switzerland and Japan combine efforts to protect aquatic resources in 175 countries and territories of the world. For more information on Project AWARE Foundation’s environmental initiatives visit www.projectaware.org


Project AWARE

PADI Project AWARE Environmental Achievement Award Awarded to Matava

Matava has been awarded the PADI Project AWARE Environmental Achievement Award 2008 for its policies on environmental sustainability 

KADAVU, FIJI ISLANDS - 5th Februuary 2008 - Matava - Fiji's Premier Eco-Adventure Resort is proud to announce that it is an official 2008 recipient of The PADI Project AWARE Environmental Achievement Award.


Project AWARE Foundation Chairman, Dr. Drew Richardson recognizes the importance of the scuba diving community taking its part in protection of global ecosystems. "The Project AWARE Environmental Achievement Award is about rewarding vision, excellence and pursuit of conservation. More importantly, this award ensures the enjoyment of underwater environments for future generations," states Richardson.


"Our awards recognise dive operators making a positive impact on local communities and the environment, as well as providing great dive holidays! The number of outstanding environmental programs taking place is inspiring," said Joanna McNamara, Project AWARE Coordinator. 


After reviewing Matava's application, Project AWARE determined that our dive operation met all requirements set forth for Project AWARE's Environmental Achievement Award and shown exemplary efforts to conserve aquatic environments through education, advocacy and action. Therefore, Project AWARE was proud to name Matava an official 2008 recipient!



Matava Director, Mr Richard Akhtar says "The PADI Project AWARE Environmental Achievement Award gives us special environmental recognition and shows our customers that we are responsible and committed to reducing the environmental impacts of our business."


"After 6 years of hard work and commitment to our strict environmental policies, it is rewarding to be recognized by our international scuba certification agency"


Mr Akhtar went on to say that "..after our recent major resort upgrade in early 2008, and the addition of our new high-tech solar power plant solution for the Main Bure, kitchen and The Terrace restaurant area, we believe we are the leader in eco-sustainable resorts in the country."


Mr Akhtar finished by saying "Matava - Fiji's Premier Eco-Adventure Resort has proved that it is indeed among the leaders in environmentally sensitive resorts worldwide, and this latest award solidifies our position as an example of how resorts can operate AND help maintain and improve the surrounding environment."
 
Project AWARE Foundation, a registered nonprofit organization, works in direct partnership with divers and water enthusiasts to conserve underwater environments through education, advocacy and action. To get involved in environmental activities and make a lasting difference visit www.projectaware.org 
 

Matava - Fiji's Premier Eco Adventure Resort, is an eco adventure getaway offering you a fun and unique blend of cultural experiences and adventure activities in the environmentally pristine and remote island of Kadavu in the Fiji Islands.

Matava offers accommodation for up to 22 guests in lush tropical surroundings in traditional thatched Fijian 'bures' with hardwood polished floors, louvre windows and private decks offering privacy, comfort and superb ocean views

Mad Fish Dive Centre and Bite-Me Gamefishing Charters are our on-site diving and fishing specialists offering the best of both under and on the water activities.

www.Matava.com www.Scuba-Diving-Fiji.com www.GamefishingFiji.com

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PADI Project AWARE Environmental Achievement Award Awarded to Matava

Tokoriki Diving, Fiji: Tokoriki Diving: Go Eco Project AWARE Operator Status Awarded To Tokoriki Dive Shop

Go Eco Project AWARE Operator Status Awarded To Tokoriki Dive Shop

Dive Tropex Tokoriki is the latest PADI dive centre to be awarded with Project AWARE Go Eco Operator status in 2007.

Project AWARE Foundation, the dive industry’s leading non-profit environmental organisation launched the Go Eco campaign in the Asia Pacific region in 2005. The main objective of Go Eco is for dive centres to minimize their impact on the aquatic ecosystem whilst contributing to environmental, economic and cultural conservation. Dive centres are required to meet best practice environmental guidelines and commit to the PADI Project AWARE Go Eco philosophy.

Dive Tropex Tokoriki is delighted to be awarded with the Project AWARE Go Eco operator status for 2007. As a Go Eco operator we are committed to providing dive experiences that enhance visitor awareness, appreciation and understanding of the local aquatic environment.


Tokoriki Diving, Fiji: Tokoriki Diving: Go Eco Project AWARE Operator Status Awarded To Tokoriki Dive Shop

Tokoriki Diving, Fiji: Tokoriki Diving: Project AWARE Environmental Award

Tokoriki Diving: Project AWARE Environmental Award

Project AWARE Foundation , a nonprofit environmental organization dedicated to conserving underwater environments, recognizes the outstanding conservation efforts of eco operators through the Project AWARE Environmental Achievement Award.

The 2007 award, won by Dive Tropex Tokoriki, demonstrates the facility’s exceptional commitment to conserving underwater environments through education, advocacy and action.

42 dive centres across the globe received the prestigious award. Each year Project AWARE Foundation recognizes the outstanding environmental efforts of dive retailers and resorts. These facilities lead by example, helping to both motivate and inspire divers, consumers and local communities.

Award winners operate their business in an environmentally responsible manner and exemplify the Project AWARE philosophy within their daily operations.

For more details of Project AWARE please visit projectaware.org

Tokoriki Diving, Fiji: Tokoriki Diving: Project AWARE Environmental Award

White House Unveils Plans to Address Trash in the Ocean

White House Unveils Plans to Address Trash in the Ocean

Initiative Boosts Project AWARE's Long-Standing International Cleanup Day Efforts

Rancho Santa Margarita, CA – Project AWARE Foundation and partner environmental organizations applauded First Lady Laura Bush’s unveiling of a new initiative to address marine debris.

The First Lady called for an increase in public/private partnerships for cleanups, enhanced public education on marine debris prevention and an emphasis on international cooperation during the dedication ceremony of the J.L. Scott Marine Education Center-Gulf Coast Research Laboratory in Biloxi, Mississippi, USA.

“Whether we live on the shore or not, all of us have the obligation to care for these amazing natural resources,” stated Mrs. Bush.

The First Lady has championed marine debris prevention since seeing the extent of the problem during a visit to the remote Northwest Hawaiian Islands National Monument. She spoke about the importance of the ocean environment, promising to promote annual cleanups and make sure people are educated about marine debris and how to participate in solutions.

Vikki Spruill, President and CEO of the Ocean Conservancy, Project AWARE’s partner for International Cleanup Day, spoke before the First Lady last week and shined a spotlight on marine debris issues and the international cleanup efforts taking place each year.

“The First Lady’s dedication to the issues we’ve been fighting for is inspiring – and, it gives a big push to the sea change that is underway,” states Vikki Spruill, Ocean Conservancy President and CEO.

“We’re thrilled about the new White House plan to address trash in our oceans,” said Jenny Miller Garmendia, Director, Project AWARE Foundation. “The announcement boosts Project AWARE’s 12-year underwater volunteer effort to remove and prevent harmful aquatic debris – a human-induced and preventable problem.”

Each year Project AWARE Foundation coordinates underwater cleanups in more than 100 countries and territories in partnership with dive professionals and the Ocean Conservancy. Cleanup volunteers are making a difference by improving aquatic environments and protecting fragile wildlife.

Project AWARE Foundation is a 501 (c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to conserving underwater environments through education, advocacy and action. Visit www.projectaware.org for more information about Project AWARE’s ongoing debris removal efforts, to volunteer or to view inspiring images from cleanup events around the world.

Material posted and distributed through DiveNewswire