Found this Good Ocean Cause to Follow on Facebook:

http://www.causes.com/causes/791439-ocean-protectors

Jason de Caires Taylor ~ Underwater Sculptural Art & Conservation ~Artificial Reefs

Celebrating a unique Champion of the Seas, Jason de Caires Taylor, who through his underwater sculptural art helps to create artificial reef for our fragile and environmentally challenged Ocean.  His creative work draws people to the cause of the pressing need for protecting and caring for the ocean and the rest of our planet Earth:

Biography  (excerpt from his website ~ http://underwatersculpture.com/pages/artist/bio.htm
Born in 1974 to an English father and Guyanese mother, Taylor grew up in Europe and Asia, where he spent much of his early childhood exploring the coral reefs of Malaysia. Educated in the South East of England, Taylor graduated from the London Institute of Arts in 1998 with a BA Honours in Sculpture and went on to become a fully qualified diving instructor and underwater naturalist. With over 17 years diving experience under his belt, Taylor is also an award winning underwater photographer, famous for his dramatic images, which capture the metamorphosing effects of the ocean on his evolving sculptures. In 2006, Taylor founded and created the world's first underwater sculpture park. Situated off the coast of Grenada in the West Indies it is now listed as one of the Top 25 Wonders of the World by National Geographic. His latest creation is MUSA (Museo Subaquatico de Arte), a monumental museum with a collection of over 450 public sculptural works, submerged off the coast of Cancun, Mexico; described by Forbes as one of the world's most unique travel destinations. Both these ambitious, permanent public works have a practical, functional aspect, facilitating positive interactions between people and fragile underwater habitats while at the same relieving pressure on natural resources. Taylor's art is like no other, a paradox of creation, constructed to be assimilated by the ocean and transformed from inert objects into living breathing coral reefs, portraying human intervention as both positive and life-encouraging. Numerous publications and documentaries have featured his extraordinary work, including the BBC, CNN, USA Today, the Guardian, Vogue, New Scientist and the Discovery Channel, yet nothing can quite do justice to the ephemeral nature of his art; for each actual visit to his sites is both unique and subject to the dynamic, fluctuating environment of the ocean.

More on this sculptural artist from "Artist a Day":
Jason de Caires Taylor: Featured Artist a Day

Why Dolphins Should Not Be Kept in Captivity

A New Blog ~"Cetacean Freedom" 1st Post... A School Essay on Why Dolphins Should Not be Kept in Captivity by 15 year old, Amy-Jo Randalls
Great Info Here ~ Recommend visiting and reading.
Thanks Amy for Caring and Sharing.  I know you did quite a bit of research on this topic and I hope it reaches out and touches the hearts of many people.
Dolphins and Whales do NOT belong in Captivity

"Why Dolphins Should Not be Kept in Captivity"

The Life of the Plastic Bag

Have you Ever Wondered where that Haphazardly Discarded Plastic Bag Ends Up?

A Mocumentary Video on the Life and Travel of the Notorious Plastic Bag ~ credits to www.healthebay.org

The Majestic Plastic Bag:

"Song For the Ocean"

I just found a fantastic website with a positive thrust towards wellness and longevity for the Ocean .  It invites us all to take a step forward and sing along with Kirsten in her healing song for the Ocean.  I actually came across the song on facebook and was directed to the website ~ http://songfortheocean.com from there. 

"Song for the Ocean" and "Ethereal Matterial" on Facebook posted a poignant message for all the People of the World to take heed ... We must all take responsibility for the health of our Ocean and it's inhabitants. The song and video pretty much says it all so I am adding that link here at the bottom of this message. 

Kristen Calls out to Father Earth to hear the plea for healing and good welfare of the ocean and asks us to join in the song with our own well wishes for Mother Ocean.

She petitions us in her song, singing "This is the Song for the Ocean, Father Earth We are Calling Your Name.  We Know You are Taken For Granted But We Stand Here Committed to Change.  The Voices of the Children are Singing, Towards Tomorrows Horizon They Gaze,  Oh, This is the Song of the Ocean, Give Us Strength.."  ~ The message further unravels in a beautiful song she has written that is complimented by the ocean and ocean life in the background.
Please Listen and watch this Amazing Video for the Full Message:
Kristin is truly a Champion of the Seas!

Song for the Ocean
BY KRISTIN HOFFMANN  ~ My goal for the “Song for the Ocean” project is to get a minimum of 1 million people to join me in singing this song and together make this an official Anthem for the Ocean. As we sing, let’s hold the vision of a healthy planet, and make a commitment to the Earth and all it’s creatures, to be a part of positive change in whatever ways we can. You can sing this song on your own, in a group, a chorus, any way you can imagine. Videotape yourself or a group singing “Song for the Ocean” and upload your video to YouTube...I will add you to my favorites! I am going to keep a list of all people who sing on the song, so e-mail your names, and you can be one of the million voices! Also visit www.songfortheocean.com or http://www.youtube.com/user/SongForTheOcean

"For the Love of Dolphins"

Hello Ocean Friends.

I just found this poignant posting by JamieLynn2001 on the "Cyber Whale Warrior Blog" by Holise Cleveland titled   "For the Love of Dolphins" .   I recommend it to all.

I believe that is possible for one to gain insight into the captured dolphin's mind in "The Cove of Taiji" Japan, by seeing it through the mind of the dolphin, which is portrayed in the first half of this posting.   In the latter part of this blog post there is further explanation to the horrendous activity that takes place during the Taiji dolphin hunts.

Let it be also known that these hunts not only take a surplus of many dolphin lives, but also the lives of small whales that migrate through this region. (whales and dolphins are of the same family, but many people are unaware of this fact and think of them as separate)...  Unfortunately, one has not found a way to change their migratory courses, or been able to eliminate their dying days in the Cove by the hunters who kill them for dolphin meat and the sale of live dolphins for entertainment.

People are not allowed to intervene by Japanese Law.  They can only watch and record what takes place.  If they try to intervene, they are threatened with arrest.  Intervening may be as little as a reported "push"... Recently, and reportedly, one photographer activist was taken to jail for "intervening" in application of Japanese Law.  I have read that his trial date has been set for late January or February.  The dolphins are herded and taken in Japanese Waters, yet the dolphins are not Japanese.... They are mammals of the seas that travel through international waters.  They are loved by many, and hunted by few...  And generation after generation, by the many thousands, they continue to be deliberate targets of death and capture here in the Cove of Taiji.

And so with saddened heart, I fear the dolphins and whales, like so many other animals facing extinction today, will disappear via man's ignorance and greed in the not too distant future ~  if nothing is done to stop it.  And, I continue to pray in hope, that through written, video, and verbal expression to the world in continual public education and through public outcry, the Japanese will finally take responsibility themselves.  My hope is that they will then respond in a positive manner to halt this practice, changing a destructive path for the betterment of their own people, and in so doing, for the benefit of the world.

Here is that link again to the article:
"For the Love of Dolphins"

Thank you JamieLynn2001 for writing and posting this great article about the Dolphins of Taiji on the Cyber Whale Warrior Blog.  Your voice plays an important part of helping to create the necessary change for a better world for all of earth's inhabitants.  This is one small area of the earth, yet it plays an important role in all our existence.  The Ocean is a major & necessary part of our life, and the animals of the Seas all Play an Important Role in maintaining a Homeostatic Earth Environment.  We, the Human Race, are contaminating the ocean, and contaminating ourselves.  We continue to destroy and reap havoc on many, if not all life forms.   It is time for us to wake up and stop this insanity by taking an Active Role in correcting the wrongs that continue to be done in the name of progress and greed.   Human respect for the animals and their unique roles in life are a very real issue in maintaining and guaranteeing our own existence.

Empire State Building In Red in Support of Freedom & Life for Dolphins Hunted in the COVE

Bulletin: THE COVE team turns the Empire State Building Red! ... | causes.com - Mozilla Firefox http://ow.ly/7Y3VZ

"This weekend DolphinProject.org/Earth Island Institute's Ric O'Barry and THE COVE director Louie Psihoyos lit up the Empire State Building to raise awareness for THE COVE! The color red symbolizes the blood red waters of the cove in Taiji, Japan, where thousands of dolphins are brutally killed each year. Their meat, which contains toxic levels of mercury, is sold as food even though it's unfit for human consumption. Most people in Japan don't know this is happening."

Photos on Facebook of the Weekend Event of December 9th of Changing the Empire State Building's Colors to Red for Dolphin Awareness of the Killings and Captures in Taiji Japan, are Here:  https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10150616461939616.487616.120001599615&type=3

Read More Here:
http://dolphinproject.org/blog/post/empire-state-building-in-red-for-dolphins

Who Wants to Live Forever?

Excerpt: ... "This is an informational video to help bring the message out about conservation and features the Music of Queen. Erik Brush tells a poignient visual and musical story of the importance of getting involved. Also shares website info for www.erikbrush.com/ and www.seashepherd.org/

Set to the music and incomparable voice of legendary Queen singer and songwriter Freddy Mercury."

Erik Brush in his own words is a ..."wildlife artist turned conservation author and shark biologist.... fighting to protect sharks and the worlds oceans. I am a firm advocate of better education and positive solutions!"

"Fear in the Water" by Erik Brush

Fear in the water!

by Erik Brush on Tuesday, September 13, 2011 at 6:06pm (author, artist and conservationist)~ follow him @ http://www.erikbrush.com/ and on facebook

"The Ugliest of Monsters that you will ever find in our world is the darker side of the Human mind! - Self Quote."


I was swimming near a coral head in what seemed like a paradise on Earth. The warm waters of the reef fueling my body with energy and life and then there was a strange scent. I could feel fear filling me in a way that I could not explain. I looked around and then I saw them.

Two sharks lay on the bottom of the reef and crabs tugged and ate at the deformed bodies. I thought that they might have been born with deformities bit as I swam closer I saw that they were missing their fins. Only the upper tail fin remained and there were large gashes across their heads and necks where some great tooth or something sharp had bitten or cut the sharks.

A little farther more sharks lay on the bottom in the same or worse condition. It was terrible! I wondered if I knew these fish? Had I seen them in past encounters on the reef? I could not be sure. They seemed familiar to me and yet the scent and sight of death had shocked me and my focus was labored and I couldn't quite reason as well as I would have liked to on this gruesome day.

What kind of creature kills without eating what it kills? What kind of creature destroys life and discards it with such casual abandon? I couldn't understand this. I hunt to eat, not to maim or torment or discard what I take. That is not natural! It's just plain wrong and evil in its own right.

I left the area. It was too heartbreaking to stay and the death in the water may have pleased the crabs, but not me. It was a troubling sign. Looking around I could not see much life on the reef. The large fish were gone and the coral was dying. They say that this is due to acidification of the water which causes a condition known as coral bleaching. I wonder if they understand the link to sharks that is directly fueling this? I doubt it. They never mention sharks, whoever they are.

Swimming further I realize that I must cross a deeper expanse in order to find a better place to swim and study. Upon crossing the deep passage I could feel the flow of cooler water, but now there was a new scent wafting toward me. sounds screamed in a frequency that I can hear quite well and scents drifted to me of dying and dead marine life that seemed to vanish off into the distance for miles.

I came across the bodies of the dying or dead and had a feeling of dread replace the omni-present hunger that I felt. These creatures were all trapped. Floating at the same level with each other. There were dead turtles and dying tuna. A mahi and a few jacks. A barracuda, along with several dead and dying sharks. The caravan of weak or dead animals stretched for miles and miles.

It is strange to see this sight. But it is not the first time that the death line has suddenly been seen before me. I  suppose it is a popular trend with the strange beings who live above the water. In the old days the few remaining elders impart that the oceans were different. The water does not taste the same. The harvesters of all life were not so numerous. Not so greedy.

Today we live and swim in a waste or dying oceans. Our bodies filled with chemicals and trash. Our predators and enemies have become the predators and enemies of all life. Perhaps the skies above them have filled their bodies and minds with a sickness that makes them act so strange. We are all only targets and time is running out. It is becoming empty as fast as the oceans themselves.

It did not have to be this way. In fact it was never intended to be this way. For hundreds of millions of years nothing like these creatures has plagued the world with so much destruction and death. But the end will also bring about their end. In a way it is a comfort just knowing that they are too foolish to last. Too short sighted to understand how badly they have destroyed our world. But they will get it only when it is too late for themselves and for most of us.

So we watch and wait for nature to strike the last blow. It is inevitable. If you take more than you need, and decimate without allowing for other species to recover, then you destroy all chance for balance to continue. And when balance fails, then life fails. I do not know if my species will survive, but I know that some of my kind will escape the great destruction. That one day the parasite from the world above the water will perish and the denizens from beneath will recover. One day in the peaceful future there will be sharks once more thriving and ruling our oceans. And the evolutionary nightmare primates will not even be a memory among any of the survivors.

- Erik

Facebook LINK:
https://www.facebook.com/notes/erik-brush/fear-in-the-water/278832492129726

Examiner.com Article: Millions in Federal Taxpayer Funds Going to Mississippi "Dolphin Pimp"

by Sandy McElhaney

Woodbridge Animal Advocacy Examiner

I have included exerpts to this very informative article in the September 12, 2011 Washington DC Examiner News.  It seems obvious that there is a hemorrhagic misuse of federal funds going towards mismanagement of marine mammals in captivity and other pet projects.  ... "According to Citizens Against Government Waste, a whopping $16.5 billion went to Congressional pet projects in 2010" and  the startling highlight of this article is centered around Millions in Federal Taxpayer Funds Going to Mississippi "Dolphin Pimp" Moby Solangi who is supporting a “state of the art” dolphinarium for the citizens of Mississippi. ...  " 

In this article, it is noted and reported that "Leading the pack in discretionary spending is Senate Appropriations Committee Ranking Member Thad Cochran.  In Fiscal Year 2010, Cochran earmarked 27 projects to the tune of $44,400,000.  Of that sum, $1,000,000 went to the Center for Marine Education and Research-Ocean Expo-Learning Center at the Institute for Marine Mammal Studies."  The $75 million Ocean Expo is the brain child of Moby Solangi.  ... Richard O’Barry, star of the Academy award winning documentary, The Cove, has  characterized Solangi as a “Dolphin Pimp”.  Said O’Barry, “Solangi is one of the world's biggest traffickers in captive dolphins, and his track record is a litany of violent dolphin captures and exploitation. “ ....

It is my opinion and the opinion of many others from researching facts, that dolphins do not belong in captivity, and do not thrive in captivity.  I do not support a multi-million dollar industry in trafficking captive dolphins.  Do you?  Please read more from the article here:

http://www.examiner.com/animal-advocacy-in-washington-dc/millions-federal-taxpayer-funds-going-to-mississippi-dolphin-pimp

Sea World Tie to the Annual Taiji Dolphin Slaughter - "Fall From Freedom" Video

The following excerpt  is taken verbatim from the Seattle PI News August 29th, 2011

Author: Candace Calloway Whiting

Candace Calloway Whiting has studied and trained dolphins, seals, and orca whales. She is currently a volunteer at the Center for Whale Research at Friday Harbor.

"Narrated by Mike Farrell (M*A*S*H, Providence), "A Fall From Freedom" digs deep into the history of the captive dolphin and whale industry. Topics covered in the film include:

 -Sea World representatives secretly promoted the Japanese dolphin drives where thousands of animals are driven to shore and brutally killed, in order to provide their parks with replacement animals, says Dr. John Hall, former Sea World biologist.

-There is no educational value to having whales or dolphins in a captive environment, states former Sea World biologist Dr. John Hall and former Sea World killer whale trainer Dr. John Jett.

 -Contrary to the claims of many marine parks and aquariums, captive killer whales die far more frequently and at a far earlier age than they do in the wild, says Dr. Naomi Rose, biologist for Humane Society International.

 -Sea World has been involved in illegal and unethical actions to assure their parks are well stocked with killer whales, states former Sea World biologist Dr. John Hall.

 -The Alliance of Marine Mammal Parks and Aquariums has worked tirelessly to reduce government oversight on the health and well-being of captive whales and dolphins, states Dr. Naomi Rose.

 -Sea World representatives have claimed that whales and dolphins are not highly intelligent, sophisticated, and social animals. Dr. Lori Marino, a leading expert on killer whale intelligence and social dynamics, asserts that their intelligence and social dependence is second only to humans.

 -Sea World and other marine parks claimed that the rehabilitation and release back to the wild of Keiko, star of the Free Willy movie, was a failure from the start. Dave Phillips of the Free Willy-Keiko Foundation argues that the project was a rousing success, which proved that these animals can be taken from captivity, rehabilitated and returned to the wild."

http://blog.seattlepi.com/candacewhiting/2011/08/18/seaworld-is-tied-to-the-annual-taiji-dolphin-slaughter-in-this-provocative-film-watch-it-for-free-then-share-with-your-community/

Fall From Freedom Video:  http://vimeo.com/26041965
Fall From Freedom Trailer: http://vimeo.com/26041965

"Australian Dugongs In Peril"

9/22/11 Update on the Dugong and Sea Turtle Crisis in Australia: 

This is a recent video from "CollinwhocaresRiddell" on Facebook about the Dugong and Sea Turtle Crisis.  These important sea creatures are steadily and quickly reaching the point of extinction if man and the environmental elements continue to kill them at this alarming rate.  Although there is a limit on take for Australians, there is a loophole that is causing them harm... Unfortunately for them, the indigenous people of Australia are not under any ban for capture and kill quotas, and there is over-killing and cruelty enforced upon these helpless creatures by certain members of this group thereby pushing the animals towards endangerment and extinction.  Some of the Indigenous people have seen this peril and offer a moratorium.  But this is not law and is under their own intent.  Unfortunately, those in power do not seem to think this is even a problem so have not taken a stance to help by enforcing a moratorium.  So, Colin Riddell, Bob Irwin of Bob Irwin Wildlife Fund, and James Epong,  Dugong and Turtle Protection Officer, are calling on the people to help... They are asking ALL Australians to Support them on a Moratorium for Turtle and Dugong Hunting in Australia. 

Please see the video clip below for more info:

https://www.facebook.com/video/video.php?v=10150320757434604

Colin Riddell and Bob Irwin's Save Australian Dugong and Sea Turtles Site:  http://dugongandturtles.webs.com/

Article by "The Independent Nature"

Famine threatens Australia's gentle sea cows

Extreme weather has destroyed the dugong's feeding grounds – just the latest menace facing this already endangered species

By Roger Maynard in Sydney

Sunday, 28 August 2011

"An underwater famine is posing the latest threat to one of Australia's most endangered marine species, the dugong, which lives entirely on sea grass. At least 100 have starved to death in recent months and many more are likely to follow in the absence of their only food source.... "In addition to climatic and industrial threats to the dugong population, indigenous fishermen have also been accused of endangering the species. Next month a television campaign will be launched by animal activists who believe Australia's Native Title laws are allowing the "uncontrolled" and "unmonitored slaughter" of dugongs and turtles. Australians For Animals has accused some aboriginal groups of "appalling cruelty".

Campaign organiser Colin Riddell says: "We have a confirmed report of a dugong calf being tied to the back of a boat, its cries bringing in the mother so they can both be killed. We have reports in our office of indigenous groups going out in motor boats with a GPS to find dugongs. Once found, they radio their mates and entire pods of dugongs are slaughtered."

Dugong hunting has been an accepted part of Australia's indigenous culture for thousands of years. Their ivory and bones are used in traditional crafts and their meat, which is said to be similar to high quality beef, is regarded as a delicacy. The Native Title Act allows dugongs to be caught by aborigines for personal, domestic or non-commercial needs, but, according to Mr Riddell, some are being sold for profit. He claims the meat sells for nearly £100 a kilo and is even being exported.

Now he is urging the government to call a moratorium on dugong hunting until population numbers are established. "I don't have a problem with Native Title hunting if it's done sustainably," he insists. "But let's just see how many are left."...  (click on link below for full article)

http://www.independent.co.uk/environment/nature/famine-threatens-australias-gentle-sea-cows-2345167.html

Colin Riddell and Bob Irwin's Save Australian Dugong and Sea Turtles Site:  http://dugongandturtles.webs.com/

"Petition & Pledge to Stop the Dolphin Slaughter In Taiji, Japan"

 If you love dolphins, and want to do something to stop the assault on their lives, please check out the following video and sign the petition to stop the annual dolphin slaughter in Taiji Japan.

Together We Can End It : http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DyqJwjFb8Aw&feature=share
 via http://www.championsforcetaceans.com

Petition to Stop the Dolphin Slaughter, Taiji Japan

Sept 1st 2011-The International Day of Awareness for the Dolphins of Taiji

 aka "Save Japan Dolphins Day"

September 1st is the start of the Dolphin Hunt in Taiji Japan. During the 2010-2011 drive hunt, the Taiji Fisheries Union killed 850 dolphins. An additional 171 were sold into captivity. These numbers are multiplied annually without stopping... In the past even more dolphins (and whales) were killed annually in Taiji and other Japanese port hunts.  This traditional slaughter has been happening every year for decades in Taiji Japan and right now there is absolutely no desire by the dolphin hunters to stop their targeted killing.

( The following press release was in advance of the actual event held on Sept 1st 2011)

Press Release for The Houston Site Event Held Outside the Japanese Consulate

I am the 2011 Houston Area Coordinator for the "International Day of Awareness for the Dolphins of Taiji" also referred to as "Save Japan Dolphins Day".  We are one of many locations rallying together to call attention to this atrocity and bring it to a grinding halt.  This dolphin drive is driven by greed and public demand for the dolphin meat and entertainment.   Many people are not aware that the Inland Dolphin Shows are directly tied to this drive.  The sale of one dolphin to the Aquariums that are captured from Taiji or similar hunts is from $100,000 to $300,000 dollars.  The dolphin hunts are very bloody and pods of dolphins are forced into and annihilated in The Cove, while a few are chosen each time to be sold to live out their lives in captivity, performing for the masses. Dolphins are a very social loving group, and the death of an entire pod of parents, siblings, & babies weigh heavily on the few that remain alive to be trained & sold to the Dolphin and Whale Entertainment Aquarium Centers.  Many captured dolphins  live very short lives dying from stress and disease. Their confined living conditions are not conducive to life.   The general public is unaware of the huge turnover of dolphins for their entertainment.

A Houston educational and demonstrative Event will be held on Sept 1st  in front of the General Consulate of Japan at 909 Fannin Street to bring attention to the general public that Taiji Japan dolphin hunts and slaughter will begin this day, and continue on until March of next year.  It will continue Every Year unless we cause it to Stop.  Our message is simple:  JAPAN, LET THE DOLPHINS LIVE & BE FREE!!!

I am Inviting Anyone and Everyone that can, to come and participate in the educational demonstration here or any of the other places listed (a global map of participants is available @ http://www.savejapandolphins.org/).  This will be a peaceful protest and we ask that the Message at this gathering be Positive.  The Target of Focus is to be centered on education towards awareness and change in reference to the actual acts of condoning and killing of the dolphins, and not on the Japanese People .

There will be many things to look at at the Educational Table at the site of the Japanese Consulate, and there will also be a "Cove Guardian" here on site to explain her own experiences and the happenings at Taiji first hand.  We also plan to have gifts for donations to the Cause of "Save Japan Dolphins". The following location/schedule is for Houston, but this is a World Wide Event, and is happening at Japanese Embassies, & Consulates in quite a number of Ppaces.  If you cannot make it to the one in Houston, please note that there are other things you can do to support this Cause.  (see "More Info" Below)

Houston Location & Time:
909 Fannin Steet
Houston , Tx. 77010
Outside the Japanese Consulate
from 12:00 pm - 4:00 pm

For MORE INFO:

http://www.countdowntocove.com/ and "International Day of Awareness for the Dolphins of Taiji" created by Save Misty the Dolphin
https://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=196605907054900
https://www.facebook.com/Savemistythedolphin and
"The Cove" watch the free Cove documentary on line @ www.documentarywire.com
http://www.savejapandolphins.org/blog/post/celebrate-japan-dolphins-day
Houston Pictures:
https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.2039098937266.2104253.1238049312
Cheryl Gordon, Event Coordinator for Houston's Event: "International Day of Awareness for the Dolphins of Taiji Japan" also referred to as "Save Japan Dolphins Day"

A SYNOPSIS OF THE SEPT 1ST INTERNATIONAL EVENT 
TO SAVE THE JAPAN DOLPHINS

I believe that the Sept 1st 2011 International Day of Awareness for the Dolphins of Taiji Event was a Great Success!  The Houston Texas Event was my own group, but there were 40 + other dolphin activists in numerous cities participating in this world-wide protest to save the dolphins of Japan. 

Our group alone included 15 participants outside the Houston Japanese Consulate on Sept 1st, protesting the killing and sales of dolphins and whales in Taiji.  We gave away over 800 handouts of postcards and business cards regarding this event.  We had multiple contributions to the Save Japan Dolphins Fund. We gathered signatures for a Petition to Save Japan Dolphins.  We cultivated much interest and won many hearts for the dolphins... We held a peaceful demonstration, and I believe it was an informative and successful event.  We were proud to have a former Cove Guardian as a Speaker... As the Houston International Day of Awareness for the Dolphins of Taiji, I am indebted to all who helped make this happen and be successful.

We were but one group of many collaborating to make this Cause known to the World in hopes of  getting more people to take a stance in saying NO and in stopping this senseless slaughter.  Some groups were perhaps of ten, and others were much larger...  Whatever the size, there are similar success stories of each participating activist group, reaching out to the public through different ways & means of approaching and telling the story ~ All around the World.  But words do not get the point across as well alone as with inclusion of visual so I am including the compilation event video to help to drive this point to where it must go, that is: The Peoples Hearts.

I believe this is an impressive and persuasive Youtube video production created by "Save Misty the Dolphin" for The International Day of Awareness for the Dolphins of Taiji in colaboration with "Save Japan Dolphins" showing the multi-international participation in this Sept 1st event to save the Japan dolphins ~ click on the video below & then click on the supersize expanded version and sit back in your chair to see for yourself:

If You Want to Help Save the Dolphins I Recommend Joining Save Misty the Dolphin on facebook @ https://www.facebook.com/Savemistythedolphin 

and Check out the Website of Save Japan Dolphins @ 

http:www.//savejapandolphins.org

See you There!

"Who Do You Think You Are"

A Family Standing Up for What they Believe In, Gives Tribute to the Dolphins of Taiji in "Countdown for the Cove" on their Blog "Stand Up for What You Believe In"

See Also, the Video "Who Do You Think You Are" via Save Misty the Dolphin
http://youtu.be/HNW9_ut5ygo

Please Sign the "Stop the Dolphin Slaughter in Taiji, Japan" Petition

Change.org|Start an Online Petition »

The Taiji Dolphin Killing Drives and "Countdown to the Cove"

Sept 1st Marks the Beginning of the Dolphin Hunt Drives in the Cove of Taiji Japan.  It is not unusual for up to 20,000 dolphins and even some whales to lose their lives in these dolphin drives annually.  They are being killed for money... for their meat, and for providing entertainment to the demanding public who want to swim with the dolphins, and watch them do tricks for their own personal entertainment.

But the world is now taking notice, and the pressure is on to stop the killing from these drives, and the sales of selected dolphins for entertainment parks such as Sea World and other Ocean Aquariums.

"For the first time ever, in 2010 -2011, Cove Guardian Activists from Sea Shepherd Conservation Society and Save Japan Dolphins were in Taiji every single day of the dolphin slaughter, which ran from September to March...yet the tragedy continues..." (from Countdown to the Cove)

People are becoming aware of the dark side of this beautiful sea and fishing port called Taiji.   Here, the fishermen have chosen to hunt dolphins & whales (of the dolphin family), which is misleading, for dolphins are not fish but intelligent sentient ocean mammals.  Also of concern is danger from this practice through ingestion of the dolphin meat which has been found to often contain of a higher than acceptable level of mercury contamination.  This mercury presence is generally not publicized, and when spoken of, lightly put aside as not of concern by the Japanese.  Even the children of Taiji are said to be served this meat in their school menu.

But the word is out, with a jump start from "The Cove Movie" which you can watch for free here @  http://www.ovguide.com/movies_tv/the_cove.htm and concern is now escalating around the world.  The media has picked up the story and there is an increase in the publications and public interest regarding the deaths and captures of the dolphins in Taiji.  Perhaps you too are concerned now that you have become aware of the dolphin plight.  But, what can the average concerned citizen of the world do? 

You can help by spreading the truth, and "Join the protest via Facebook International Day of Awareness for the Dolphins of Taiji @ "The Countdown to the Cove"

For more information on "Countdown to the Cove", and the Taiji Dolphins just follow this Web Link:

"Countdown to the Cove"

Action Alert - Tell your Japanese Embassy to End Research Whaling

 Saturday, July 30, 2011

Action Alert - Tell your Japanese Embassy to End Research Whaling 

"On July 28, 2011, Japan’s leading English-language newspaper, The Yomiuri Shimbun reported that the nation’s Fisheries Agency is weighing the possibility of ending research whaling in the Southern Ocean Whale Sanctuary.

The Japanese government has historically held fast to a research whaling agenda.  However, for the first time ever, a new report issued by the Fisheries Agency's review committee on research whaling in the Antarctic Ocean includes opinions on both sides of the issue.... Given this development, Save Misty the Dolphin encourages members of our community to contact your Japanese Embassy and applaud a Fisheries Agency report that considers a halt to research whaling in the Southern Ocean Whale Santuary.  "

For Full Article and how to contact your Japanese Embassy, Please Click on the link below:

http://savemistythedolphin.blogspot.com/2011/07/action-alert-tell-your-japanese-embassy.html

Scientists Name World's Most Important Marine Conservation Hotspots

"Scientists have identified the 20 most important regions of the world's oceans and lakes that are key to ensuring the survival of the planet's marine mammals such as seals and porpoises. Their analysis also shows, however, that most of these areas are already under pressure from human impacts such as pollution and shipping. Marine ecosystems around the world are deteriorating rapidly, according to Sandra Pompa, an ecologist at the National Autonomous University of Mexico who led the study, in particular due to habitat degradation, introduction of exotic species and over-exploitation of natural resources. " ... " To find out more, Click below to pull up and read here:

http://www.guardian.co.uk/environment/2011/aug/01/marine-life-wildlife

"Beyond Jaws, The Truth Really Bites"

BEYOND JAWS, THE TRUTH REALLY BITES!

By Conservation Author & Shark
Specialist Erik Brush
http://www.erikbrush.com
http://thesixthextinction.homestead.com/
http://bluevideos.homestead.com/BVHome.html
http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=102177926486042&ref=mf
http://facebook.com/erik.brush

Bio Note:
Erik is an Author and Conservationist, Shark Advocate & Biologist in Sarasota Fla. He does Study/Research work with Elasmobranchs and marine eco-systems specializing in sharks. Working in conjuction with Shark Savers, Sea Shepherds, Oceana, Wild Aid, The Global Shark Initiative, Sharks for Life, The EIA, Stop Shark Finning, and Shark Guardians etc to protect sharks and assist those protecting sharks on a global level.

ARTICLE:
When JAWS came out in the 70’s peoples lives in the oceans changed forever. The movie grabbed the attention of audiences everywhere and cast a horrific feeling of danger in waters and beaches that people had never considered imposing before.

Suddenly there were sharks lurking in everyone’s mind as Jaws sold us on the idea that nature’s apex marine predators were out there, looking for careless swimmers who seemed deliciously oblivious to the great hunters of the deep! People were terrified of the water and sharks were on everyone’s mind for many years to come.

Even today, the stigma of a man eating mindless killing machine lurking in wait for unsuspecting swimmers is ingrained into our consciousness when we consider the oceans. People fear sharks. People hate sharks. People kill sharks and fish for them with a certain taste for adventure and vengeance that is unprecedented with most marine species.

The truth is that most people have never seen a wild shark. Most never will regardless of how often they swim in the oceans. Most people know nothing or close to nothing about sharks in general. But the picture that they do have, is so far from accurate that it is sad and amazing to those people who spend time with and studying these animals.

The thing that I always wanted to do was learn more about the animals and how they really were? Were sharks really mindless killing machines that ran on instinct like some deadly auto-piloted nightmare? Or was there perhaps something a little intrinsically deeper about these creatures? How smart are they? What are they like?

The best way to answer any question in life is to first ask, and then to seek out the best sources of information or the best experts in the subject in order to answer the question. I have done just that. My greatest allies were curiosity, intention, and a burning drive to learn everything that I could. I started to read and study on an academic level first. But this soon grew to a mass media study. Then in time I sought out the experts.

But the next powerful tool was to discover for myself. I began to swim and wade and dive with sharks. I needed to learn more and to figure out the truth. And it was not long before I began to discover just how little I really knew about them. I thought to myself, if I can have this many misconceptions and gaps in my mind about sharks, and I enjoy and seek them out as a subject of interest, then what must the common person who is oblivious think about them? The average person is still going by Jaws often enough, rather than the reality, which will paint a far different picture.

The average person does not know just how frightened of us most sharks are. They do not associate words like “shy” “scared” “mellow” or “nervous” with sharks. Nor do they associate sharks with concepts such as “intelligence” “versatility” “playfulness” or “aware”. But again, this falls hand in hand with their experience level and degree of study. The sensationalized stories are far more interesting and fuel our hungry negative stereotypes than the truth about mistaken concepts and maligned animals.

In my studies and work with sharks I have uncovered an animal that is not easily approached. A shy and elusive predator that is so incredibly sensitive and scared of us that it takes a very concerted effort to be able to approach them. I have found a creature that rewards association and patience with a kind of curious interaction that astonished and amazes anyone lucky enough to share such moments.

I know sharks that are so distinct in their behavior that they are easily picked out of a group because no matter how similar the group may appear physically, the actions speak louder than words. Some will approach and swim close, looking at you to see who and what you are. They will test you, not as a meal, but as a fellow ocean denizen to see how you react to them. It is interesting to see them and know that there is enough thought going on that they have the faculties to experiment in their interactions with you.

I know sharks that are quite social and seem to enjoy the company of divers or swimmers with whom they are familiar, while they will shy away from all others. They have their favorites and you can always tell who that person is. These sharks will willingly spend time very close to such a person. They always seem to sense the people who enjoy them the most. There is a sort of cross species friendship and enjoyment that is very rewarding and magical when it happens.

I have seen sharks take their personal relationships or interactions with a favorite diver, one step beyond. Large sharks who have actively threatened and chased off other medium to large sharks who approached too close to their human companion. I smile, as I know that this is most certainly not the image that most people have of these animals. But experience opens a world that no amount of big screen bullshit and myth can override. The Jaws idea is simply not in my thinking.

I wish that I could share a new truth about these creatures with the world. I want to tell everyone just how wrong they are about sharks and the danger levels that they represent. While one must always respect the fact that they are large predators and well capable of being aggressive or dangerous if they see a need, most are simply not inclined to treat with us on that level unless triggered or provoked.

Around the world the annual shark bite (I refuse to use the word attack because it is not appropriate for the action) rate is around 70 shark bite incidents a year. Out of these 1-5 wind up as fatalities on average. Most of these occur in water less than 3 feet deep by sharks under 6 feet in length. It is almost always in cloudy or murky water in which the shark’s vision is obscured. The bite is generally to the lower leg, foot, ankle, or hand. Most of the time the shark swiftly realizes its mistake and either releases or attempts to release and swim away. It is not always easy with a panicked swimmer jerking in one direction while a mouth full of back recurved teeth designed to catch and hold fish, is embedded in flesh and preventing an easy release. Amazingly enough, the majority of shark bites 98.9% are superficial and do not even require stitches. There is seldom ever any removal of flesh, though it will make all of the news media when such incidents happen.

The other group of shark bite encounters happens to surfers who are often mistaken for a seal or sea turtle in the surf. These are bit by the big three; the bull shark, great white, and tiger shark. In most cases the sharks soon realize that the surfer is not a fat juicy seal and they let go and swim off. The surfer returns with scare, big injuries, and again the jaws image is reinforced in the public mind. Because the public never thought to view it from the animals perspective. The public seldom asks of the surfer, “What were you thinking, surfing so close to a seal colony? Don’t you know that you look a lot like a surfing seal or sea-lion to a large predator?” It’s easier to blame the shark.

Mistaken identity is almost always the cause of most negative shark encounters. At least on the side of sharks. But the converse is quite different. More people are killed by vending machines falling on them each year ( 9 on average ) than are killed by sharks. The same holds true for car crashes, lightning strikes, dog bites, etc. But in the case of humans toward sharks the statistics are quite different. Sharks have far more to fear from us than we have to fear from them.

Right now in the worlds oceans there is a war going on. Humans verse everything else. And the biggest casualty of this war is the world’s shark population. 2/3rds of all species are down by 90-95% of what they were just 30 years ago. Sharks are vanishing at an alarming rate. They are the most hunted animal group in all of human history. 104 Million sharks are fished and killed each year. Of these 78 million are killed only for their fins, to supply the growing shark-fin soup trade in Hong Kong, China, Singapore, Japan, Malaysia, and Indonesia.

Every fisherman in the world knows that there is a bounty on shark’s fins. Whether or not they fish for sharks directly or catch them as “bycatch” (the unintended species taken by a fishing industry targeting a certain type of marine life) they are quick to take the fins. It is an act often inflicted on the live animal. The fins cut away from the body and the shark is tossed overboard to die. Sinking into the depths, in pain and bleeding. Unable to swim. It will either bleed to death slowly or be torn apart by other predators and scavengers in the water.

Shark fins are the third highest earning illegal trade commodity on the planet next to drugs and weapons. The fins can fetch prices between $300 - $700 a kilo on the Asian market. The soup is considered a status symbol with great health and virility benefits for the consumer.

Once an extravagance that was too expensive for the common man, now with a booming economy, more and more Chinese and other Asians have disposable income, which they are willing to spend on luxuries such as this soup. It is a soup killing our oceans and in an ironic and sick twist of fate it is also killing its supporters.

This is due to the fact that as apex marine predators who are large and long lived, sharks and other similar predators, are loaded with massive amounts of toxins and pollution that have moved up the food chain. Years of ocean dumping of our chemical wastes have not caused these chemicals to vanish or dissipate. Instead the food chain concentrates these elements in its top predators. Sharks are loaded with Methyl-mercury, lead, cadmium, POPs (Persistent Organic Pollution) such as DDT and PCBs, and many other toxins.

In turn shark-fin soup is also loaded with these same chemicals. We are a twisted creature in our own right it seems. So do sharks kill humans? Yes, on occasion they do. But now in their rapid demise nature is fighting back on a much more insidious level. Dead sharks are starting to kill people. Methyl mercury is the sharks avenging ghost in a sad war in which there are no winners.

And what of the remaining sharks? Is there hope in stopping the chaos and slaughter? Is there any hope in turning the tide and bringing back balance to these animals and our oceans? The answer is yes. There is still hope for a change. Still time to correct things before the balance is irrevocably altered forever. It starts with awareness and education. It starts with a simple shift of mindset and an awareness of the reality behind the myths. Healthy oceans need sharks, and we need healthy oceans. In other words, we need sharks in order to survive as a species as well.

- Erik.