"Save Our Gulf" Initiative from Guy Harvey!.....Very Cool!

The “Save Our Gulf” Initiative

It has taken a while to execute this latest project, but I have released three new designs to raise funds for research work on marine life affected by the oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico. Two of these custom images are appearing on t-shirts under the appropriate title of “SAVE OUR GULF”, while the third image will be released as a unique poster. Fifty percent (50%) of the sale price of these items will go toward the Guy Harvey Ocean Foundation Gulf Fund.

These items will be available through all the usual retail channels and outlets, such as Beall’s Dept Stores in Florida, Bass Pro Shops, Academy Sports + Outdoors and Hibbett Sports, as well as many independent stores around the southeastern US. Additionally, south Florida’s biggest newspaper, the Sun-Sentinel, is featuring my art – and these designs – in a special editorial on Sunday to increase awareness and encourage people to participate in this project.

While the “bottom kill” procedure is scheduled to end the leak of oil by July 30 there is still a huge volume of oil floating around the gulf, some of which will make its way into the Atlantic Ocean. We need to find out which marine creatures have been affected the most and which have survived by tolerance or evasion. We must also gather information on mortality, particularly of larval and juvenile stages of the many marine species that spend long periods near the surface. This knowledge will assist in predicting recruitment of species important in recreational and commercial fisheries for several years to come and will greatly assist us in preparing mitigating measures against any future spills.

In initiating this project, I am enabling people who want to contribute to the research effort to do so by purchasing a unique design in support of the GHOF Gulf Fund. The funds will be collected and administered by the GHOF and then distributed to organizations currently conducting marine research work in the affected area, such as the University of Florida, Mote Marine Laboratory, the University of Alabama and the CCA.

There are many other worthwhile projects happening. For example, the government of the Cayman Islands, where I live, just announced its intention to assist with hosting turtle eggs and hatchlings that are being relocated from affected beaches on the gulf coast. The Cayman Turtle Farm is the only commercial turtle farm in the world, and they have the capacity and ability to assist in this effort (their initiative is being sponsored by the Tortuga Rum Company and Cayman Airways), so agencies responsible for such action would do well in accepting such a generous offer.

I look forward to your comments and your assistance in raising funds for this worthwhile initiative. Take action now and get involved. Meanwhile fish responsibly and dive safely.

Guy Harvey

http://guyharvey.wordpress.com/2010/07/10/the-gulf-life-initiative/