KETTINS OCEAN

Kettins Ocean (2022) by Jane Lee McCracken features 28 Biro drawings of 17 marine species by Primary 4-7 children from Kettins Primary School, Blairgowrie, Scotland. These drawings raise awareness of the rich and diverse wildlife that inhabits our oceans and the threats they encounter. Each child’s unique drawing style communicates the beauty and individuality of each species.

As part of this project Drawing for the Planet has created HOW YOU CAN HELP PROTECT MARINE WILDLIFE PDF. Scroll down to see our top 10 actions you can take or click on the image below to download our pdf:

Jane’s own art practice explores the effect of loss generated by human destruction on both humans and animals. She creates multi-layered Biro drawings, sculptures, installations and commercial products often featuring endangered species. Over the last decade, she has delivered drawing and environmental education workshops to 1000's of people across the world.

In 2021 Jane founded Drawing for the Planet global art, environmental education and conservation charity. Through art, education, exhibition and conservation fundraising projects the charity gives children, communities and wildlife a voice.

This project was created through Drawing for the Planet's Donation Workshop Programme which Kettins Primary, a village school of only 34 pupils, participated in and kindly made a donation to the programme.

We would like to thank Kettins Primary Headteacher, Rachel Cross, Class Teacher, Mrs McKinlay, participating children, and our investors, donors and members for making this project possible.

THE ARTWORK

A print of Kettins Ocean artwork (above) featuring Biro drawings by each participating child is displayed in Kettins Primary School library.

KETTINS OCEAN KEY PANEL

Below is a key panel to help identify species as well as information which includes each species scientific names and its conservation status and population:

THE WORKSHOPS

Kettins Primary children with Kettins Ocean 2022 print

On 17 and 22 June 2022 Jane delivered virtual Oceans drawing workshops which included a presentation about vulnerable marine species and how art can help wildlife followed by practical drawing sessions with individual tutoring throughout. Prior to the workshops Mrs McKinlay and P4 - 7 researched and created a list of captivating ocean species to draw, many of which are threatened with extinction. Jane added some lesser known species to the list which have not been represented in our galleries.

THE DRAWINGS | THE WILDLIFE

The gallery below includes all 32 drawings of 18 species created in Jane's workshops. Each drawing is accompanied with species information and a link to the IUCN Red List (International Union for Conservation of Nature's list of conservation status of species) so you can further explore the biology and threats to each species. Kettins children's drawings are helping to raise awareness of why marine wildlife is threatened. If you are moved by the plight of these species and would like to help protect them and other marine wildlife see our section below the gallery: HOW YOU CAN HELP PROTECT MARINE WILDLIFE which contains a downloadable PDF and our top 10 list of things you can do to help as well as information about the devastating sharkfin trade.

Alice P5: NASSAU GROUPER Epinephelus striatus CRITICALLY ENDANGERED population: DECREASING

The Nassau Grouper is a large predatory fish that inhabits coral and rocky reefs from the western Atlantic throughout the greater Caribbean. Predatory fish help keep reefs healthy so the Nassau Grouper is very important in its eco-system. Known for its ability to change colour, it can grow to over one meter and is much more approachable than other groupers. This friendly fish has been overfished to the brink of extinction. IUCN Red List Nassau GrouperAlice P5: COMMON GUITARFISH Rhinobatos rhinobatos CRITICALLY ENDANGERED population: DECREASING

The Common Guitarfish is a demersal fish meaning it dwells at the bottom of the sea. As well as its distinctive pointed nose, you can see from Alice's drawing that this fish does indeed resemble a guitar. Unlike its name suggests the Common Guitarfish is at risk of extinction. It feeds on crustaceans, which are mostly water-dwelling animals such as crabs, with outer shells and bodies made of segments, along the seafloor which makes this it vulnerable to destructive fishing practices such as trawling. The Common Guitarfish is also hunted for its fins for Sharkfin Soup, a trade that sees around 100 million sharks killed every year. IUCN Red List Common Guitarfish

Alice P5: ASIAN SHEEPSHEAD WRASSE Semicossyphus reticulatus DATA DEFICIENT population: UNKNOWN

Also known as the Kobudai, the Asian Sheepshead Wrasse is one of the largest wrasse species and can grow to around one metre. It inhabits the rocky reefs of Japan and the Korean penninsula. Not only is this extraordinary fish noted for its very distinctive features including a protruding chin, hump head and toothy smile, it is also a transgender species meaning it begins life as a female and transforms to a male as it matures. This fascinating transformation was captured in the BBC series Blue Planet II - watch the video here. Although little is known about Kobudai population the IUCN suggests that they are in decline from overfishing. IUCN Red List Asian Sheepshead Wrasse

Alice P5: GREEN HUMPHEAD PARROTFISH Bolbometopon muricatum VULNERABLE population: DECREASING

The largest of parrotfish species, growing up to 1.5 metres, the Green Humphead Parrot fish lives up to its name with beautiful large green scales like parrot feathers, a pale pink face with vertical profile and beak-like tooth plates. Also known as the Bumphead Parrotfish it can live up to 40 years. This characterful species is gregarious meaning it lives in schools of up to 75 individuals, its range extensive, inhabiting reefs from the Red Sea to the Great Barrier reef. Featured in the BBC series Blue Planet watch the video clip here. Its numbers are in decline due to overfishing, particularly spearfishing, and habitat loss. IUCN Red List Green Humphead Parrotfish

Alice P5: BASKING SHARK Cetorhinus maximus ENDANGERED population: DECREASING

Basking Sharks are gentle giants and harmless to humans. Known by many names including the elephant shark they can grow to nearly 8 metres in length, with only the Whale Shark surpassing them in size as the largest fish in the ocean. Basking Sharks are a cosmopolitan species meaning they inhabit all the worlds oceans and can be found from Scotland to Australia. Swimming with their mouths open as wide as one metre, they feed on plankton. Basking Sharks can live up to 50 years and have existed for 450 million years. Threatened as bycatch which means they are often caught unintentionally in fishing nets intended for other species, they are also hunted for their large fins, which are used in Sharkfin Soup while other body parts such as cartilage are used in medicines, despite no scientific evidence that shark cartilage can cure human diseases. IUCN Red List Basking Shark

Alex P4: LEMON SHARK Negaprion brevirostris VULNERABLE population: DECREASING

Lemon Sharks are extremely sociable and form "preferential associations with other individuals and are capable of learning by watching others" (Save Our Seas). They inhabit tropical and subtropical waters from the east and west coasts of the Americas to the west coast of Africa and are both demersal and pelagic meaning they live on the sea floor as well as the water column of coasts and open ocean. Masters of camouflage in sandy waters due to their yellow-brown skin, they can grow to nearly 3.5 metres in length. Posing little threat to humans they themselves are threatened by overfishing, often caught as bycatch meaning they are unintentionally caught in fishing nets intended for other species, and also hunted for their fins to use in Sharkfin Soup while their skin is used as leather. IUCN Red List Lemon Shark

Bepe P7: NORTH ATLANTIC RIGHT WHALE Eubalaena glacialis CRITICALLY ENDANGERED population: 200 - 250, DECREASING

Only 200 - 250 North Atlantic Right Whales exist. They are the most endangered whale species in the world and as their numbers continue to decline, struck by ships or victims of bycatch where they become entangled in fishing nets intended to catch other species, causing the whales to drown, we are at risk of losing this majestic species forever. Feeding on plankton, North Atlantic Right Whales are baleen whales meaning they have baleen plates or whalebone in their mouths, which look like combs and are used to sieve plankton. Their long mouths extend from under their eyes and unlike some other whale species they do not have a dorsal fin. They can grow up to 16 metres and due to their v-shaped blow hole they produce a heart-shaped blow. Listen to the vocalisation of this whale species here. Once found on both sides of the Atlantic, North Atlantic Right Whales were mercilessly hunted over centuries until whaling of them was banned in 1937. The last of their kind are only found in the western North Atlantic Ocean. IUCN Red List North Atlantic Right Whale

Bepe P7: LEMON SHARK Negaprion brevirostris VULNERABLE population: DECREASING

Carly P5: KNYSNA SEAHORSE Hippocampus capensis ENDANGERED population: DECREASING

Did you know that Seahorses are actually fish! There are 47 known Seahorse species, 14 of which were discovered this century. The Knysna Seahorse also known as the Cape Seahorse, a small species of around 12 cm in length, is only found in South Africa's Knysna River estuary. All seahorse species have the ability to change colour for reasons of camouflage and communication. However Seahorses most extraordinary feat, along with their relatives, Pipefish and Sea Dragons, is that they are the only males in the animal kingdom capable of becoming pregnant and giving birth. These delicate creatures can give birth to as many as 1000 young but their paternal duties end here with infant seahorses left to fend for themselves with only 0.5% surviving to adulthood. Threats to the Knysna Seahorse include human recreational activities and pollution of the estuary, fishing, habitat loss and climate change. IUCN Red List Knysna Seahorse

Charlie P6: RED HANDFISH Thymichthys politus CRITICALLY ENDANGERED population: 100, DECREASING

Red Handfish really do walk on their hand-like fins! Measuring around 9 cm, red in colour or pale pink with red spots with downturned mouths, this demersal (bottom dwelling) fish only exists in two reef locations, of 75 and 50 metres diameter, in Frederick Henry Bay, Tasmania. Red Handfish are threatened by climate change, pollution and habitat loss but they are also victims of the illegal aquarium trade, plucked from their marine home by poachers. These threats have caused their population to dwindle to only 100 individuals. IUCN Red List Red Handfish

Charlie P6: HUMPHEAD WRASSE Cheilinus undulatus ENDANGERED population: DECREASING

Gigantic in size and personality the Humphead Wrasse is one of the largest coral reef fish. Capable of growing up to 2 metres this species also known as the Māori or Napoleon Wrasse inhabits the Indian and Pacific Oceans feeding on molluscs which are animals with soft bodies such as snails, clams and octupus, and crustaceans which are mostly water-dwelling animals such as crabs, with outer shells and bodies made of segments. Incredibly charismatic, these diurnal fish meaning they are active during the day, are inquisitive and friendly towards humans entering their realm. Visually, aside from their humpheads this wrasse species has exquisite patterns in blue, green and yellow etched over its scales, pouting blue lips and black eyelash markings. Like the Asian Sheepshead Wrasse the Humphead Wrasse also transforms from female to male as it matures. This species is threatened with over fishing and in some instances juveniles are captured and kept in capitivity to be sold as meat when they reach mature. IUCN Red List Humpead Wrasse

Cooper P5: RED HANDFISH Thymichthys politus CRITICALLY ENDANGERED population: 100, DECREASING

Esme P5: KNYSNA SEAHORSE Hippocampus capensis ENDANGERED population: DECREASING

Isobel P7: DUGONG Dugong dugon VULNERABLE population: DECREASING

Dugongs are gentle herbivores from the Sirenia family of marine mammals which includes the American Manatee, African Manatee, Amazonian Manatee and the Stellar's Sea Cow which became extinct in the 18th century. Their closest relatives on land are elephants with dugongs also growing tusks! They range between east Africa and the South Pacific with Australia home to one of the largest populations, and dwell around coastal seagrass meadows. They are social although generally live alone or in pairs however they are shy of humans. Dugong mother's are extremely caring of their young nurturing them until they reach maturity. Dugongs can grow to around 3 metres and live up to 70 years. While their eyesight is poor they do have excellent hearing. Dugongs have been hunted for centuries and although a protected species they are still threatened by illegal hunting or caught as bycatch meaning they are caught in nets intended for other species, which causes them to drown. Other threats to dugongs include vessel strikes causing injury or death, climate change and pollution. IUCN Red List Dugong

Izzy P7: ORNATE GHOST PIPEFISH Solenostomus paradoxus LEAST CONCERN population: UNKNOWN

This ethereal species of false pipefish or ghost pipefish, drifts amongst the seagrasses and coral reefs of the Indo-Pacific from South Africa to Australia. Closely related to Pipefish and measuring around 12cm long, Ornate Ghost Pipefish, also known as Harlequin Pipefish are a dazzling feast for the eyes with their bold primary colouring and sculptural spiked protrusions. Masters of mimicry, they float vertically and disguise themselves as seagrass, feather stars and coral to ambush their prey, feeding on small invertebrates such as mysids which are tiny shrimp-like crustaceans. Often occurring in pairs, unlike their relatives Pipefish, Seahorses and Sea Dragons, it is female false pipefish not males that brood eggs in a special brood pouch. Ornate Ghost Pipefish population data is scarce although they could be victims of incidental fishing or captured for the aquarium trade as well as affected by coral reef loss. IUCN Red List Ornate Ghost Pipefish

Izzy P7: SNOWFLAKE EEL Echidna nebulosa LEAST CONCERN population: UNKNOWN

It's understandable why this beautiful species of moray eel is named the Snowflake Eel with its intricate black and yellow markings as if snow has fallen on its skin. The Snowflake Eel occurs in the Indo-Pacific from east Africa to South America and is found in reefs amongst rocks and seagrasses. Unlike some moray species that have spectacular jaws full of sharp teeth, the Snowflake Eels teeth are blunt as it feeds on crustaceans which are mostly water-dwelling animals such as crabs, with outer shells and bodies made of segments. Smaller than some eel species they only grow up to a metre in length. They have poor eyesight but an excellent sense of smell. Although there is not much information about the Snowflake Eel population and threats they face, they are popular in the aquarium trade due to their beauty and docile nature. IUCN Red List Snowflake Eel

Izzy P7: VAQUITA Phocoena sinus CRITICALLY ENDANGERED population: 18, DECREASING

The plight of the Vaquita is a tragedy that illustrates the destructive effect of unsustainable and illegal fishing on wildlife; as few as 18 individuals remain on Earth. The world's smallest cetacean (which is a biological 'order' (classification of related species) that includes whales, dolphins and porpoises), is also the world's most endangered marine mammal. It is endemic (native of a particular place) to the Gulf of California. Vaquita's were only discovered in 1958 and are very shy creatures which means little is known of their behaviour. It is thought there were around 567 Vaquita's in 1997 yet within 20 years their population had plummeted to around 19 individuals. The main threat to Vaquita's is they are victims of bycatch from the illegal fishing of the vulnerable Totoaba fish. Vaquita's become entangled and drown in nets used to catch Totoaba. But why is the Totoaba so desirable? The bladder of the Totoaba is used in traditional Chinese medicine and thought to cure diseases however there is no scientific evidence to support this. While illegal fishing of the Totoaba continues the Vaquita faces imminent extinction. Vaquita's are also threatened by habitat loss and pollution from the Colorado River dam. IUCN Red List Vaquita

Jamie P4: COMMON GUITARFISH Rhinobatos rhinobatos CRITICALLY ENDANGERED population: DECREASING

Lexi P6: ASIAN SHEEPSHEAD WRASSE Semicossyphus reticulatus DATA DEFICIENT population: UNKNOWN

Lexi P6: NORTH ATLANTIC RIGHT WHALE Eubalaena glacialis CRITICALLY ENDANGERED population: 200 - 250, DECREASING

Lexi P6: KNYSNA SEAHORSE Hippocampus capensis ENDANGERED population: DECREASING

Lorenzo P6: BASKING SHARK Cetorhinus maximus ENDANGERED population: DECREASING,

Lorenzo P6: PACIFIC BLUEFIN TUNA Thunnus orientalis NEAR THREATENED population: DECREASING

One of several racing cars of our oceans including the Black Marlin and Sailfish, Pacific Bluefin Tuna's streamlined body means it can reach up to speeds of 43mph! Voracious apex predators which means they are top of their food chain, they use their exemplary vision to hunt schooling fish, squid and crabs. Found in the Pacific Ocean and ranging to the Indian Ocean this tuna species can grow to 3 metres in length and can live up to 26 years. The biggest threat to tuna is overfishing particularly for the sushi market. This video clip from the BBC's A Perfect Planet featuring the Atlantic Bluefin Tuna gives an insight into tuna species and the adversities they face in our changing world - watch the video here. IUCN Red List Pacific Bluefin Tuna

Megan P5: JAPANESE PINEAPPLE FISH Monocentris japonica LEAST CONCERN population: UNKNOWN

Another of nature's wonders that you could only ever imagine was invented as a character for a film or game, yet Pineapple or Pinecone fish really do exist! Aptly named for their yellow colouring outlined in black as if almost drawn in marker pen, this nocturnal fish is found in coral reefs of the Indo-Pacific Ocean. Pineapple fish have scutes rather than scales, which are a bony plates like turtle shells and can grow to around 30 cm. There are no known threats to Pineapple fish although they are captured for the aquarium trade. IUCN Red List Pineapple Fish

Megan P5: HOGFISH Lachnolaimus maximus VULNERABLE population: DECREASING

The Wild Boar of the oceans, Hogfish are named after their long snouts which like pigs they use to root for food, eating crustaceans which are mostly water-dwelling animals such as crabs, with outer shells and bodies made of segments. This beautiful large species of wrasse has intricate patterns on its face and rather large fangs and can grow to around 90 cms. Hogfish occur in the Caribbean and the east coast of the Americas from the Carolinas to Brazil, although can be found as far north as Canada. Like most other wrasse species the Hogfish also transforms from female to male as it matures. They are threatened by over fishing and habitat loss. IUCN Red List Hogfish

Murray P6: GREEN HUMPHEAD PARROTFISH Bolbometopon muricatum VULNERABLE population: DECREASING

Preston P6: PACIFIC BLUEFIN TUNA Thunnus orientalis NEAR THREATENED population: DECREASING

Ruby P6: HAWAIIAN MONK SEAL Neomonachus schauinslandi ENDANGERED population: 632 DECREASING

'Ilio holo I ka uaua' meaning “dog that runs in rough water" is what the Hawaiians call one of the most endangered marine mammals, the earless Hawaiian Monk Seal. With its large, endearing eyes, this seal species is mainly solitary and spends most of its time swimming and foraging in the coral reefs of Hawaiian islands. An expert swimmer it feasts on a menu of fish, octopus and eels. Every year these seals shed their fur and outer layer of skin. This is called a catastrophic molt which allows new skin and fur to grow. Hawaiian Monk Seals can live up to 30 years and males can grow to over 2 metres in length. Caring mother's these seals nurture their young for the first few weeks of their lives before returning to the sea. Many species face natural threats as well as threats from humans and Hawaiian Monk Seals are no exception with young seals suffering starvation and predation from sharks. During the 19th century these seals were hunted for their meat, oil and skin, a practice the US military continued during WWII. Current threats the the Hawaiian Monk Seal include entanglement in fishing nets the sustain injuries or drown, lack of food, habitat change, climate change and pollution. IUCN Red List Hawaiian Monk Seal

Ruby P6: NORTH ATLANTIC RIGHT WHALE Eubalaena glacialis CRITICALLY ENDANGERED population: 200 - 250, DECREASING

HOGFISH Lachnolaimus maximus VULNERABLE population: DECREASING, Sophie P5

Sophie P5: JAPANESE PINEAPPLE FISH Monocentris japonica LEAST CONCERN population: UNKNOWN

Mrs McKinlay: KNYSNA SEAHORSE Hippocampus capensis ENDANGERED population: DECREASING

HOW YOU CAN HELP PROTECT MARINE WILDLIFE

Would you like to help protect marine wildlife but are not sure what you can do? Drawing for the Planet has created a list of 10 simple actions you can take to protect our precious oceans. The more people who take positive action the greater the impact we can make.

Read our top 10 actions below. You can spread the word by downloading our PDF and sharing it - together we are stronger!

1. VOLUNTEER FOR A BEACH CLEAN-UP

Simple but hugely effective, beach clean-ups are a fun way you can help marine wildlife and our environment.

At Drawing for the Planet we love the concept of volunteering - it's good for those you're helping and good for the soul! So, if you live by or are visiting the coast why not volunteer for a beach clean-up, organize a clean-up yourself with friends and family or simply pick up trash you find and take it to a recycling centre.

BE INSPIRED by our friend Ryan Hickman who founded Ryan’s Recycling and recycle plastic!

Here’s Ryan and his friends on San Clemente Beach in California during one of his beach clean-ups. Read about Ryan’s Project 3R

2. USE LESS PLASTIC

The truth about plastic - it kills wildlife! Plastic has also entered our food chain with traces found in seafood - read Earth.com. Fragments of plastic have been discovered at the north and south poles.

Many of the animals drawn by Kettins Primary children like the Dugong become entangled in plastic and drown or eat plastic and suffocate. Seabirds like albatross are known to feed plastic to their chicks. It is estimated by 2050 there will be more plastic in the sea than fish. Be part of the solution not the problem:

Use tote bags to carry shopping
Say no to plastic straws and cutlery
Carry reusable water bottles and coffee cups
Avoid single use plastics
RECYCLE

Look what Lily found and we disposed of...

3. EAT RESPONSIBLY

Eat less fish and make sustainable shopping choices. Eating eco-friendly locally caught fish lessens the demand on species like Pacific Bluefin Tuna. Choosing sustainably caught fish helps avoid bycatch (species unintentionally caught in fishing nets intended for other species) and reduces the threat to species like the North Atlantic Right Whale and Vaquita which is at imminent threat of extinction with around 18 individuals remaining.

Checking food labels and understanding where your food comes from will help you make responsible choices. KNOWLEDGE IS POWER!

If you’re in the UK here are some suggestions of sustainable local fish from the Sustainable Food Trust.

4. SAVE WATER

Using less water means less waste-water enters our oceans. It also keeps more water in our environment particularly in our wetlands which are home to 40% of all species, and avoids water shortages, reduces energy consumption and saves money! Here's some water saving tips:

Don’t run baths – take short showers instead
Collect water in butts for your garden
Use dishwater, known as grey water to water plants - don't use grey water on edible plants such as herbs and vegetables
Only wash clothes when your washing basket is full and wash on cold water cycles to save both water and energy
Turn off the tap when brushing your teeth

Using eco-friendly cleaning products also reduces water pollution.

5. SAVE ENERGY

Our over consumption of energy, particularly burning of fossil fuels leads to more carbon dioxide (CO2 ) being released into the atmosphere which causes global warming. CO2 also enters our oceans resulting in ocean acidification. This can cause amongst other things, coral to die.

Coral reefs are home to some of the species drawn by Kettins Primary children, the destruction of which is a threat to their existence. By lowering your carbon foot-print you could help save these animals from extinction. Here are a few energy saving ideas which can also save you money:

Drive less
Walk
Cycle
Carpool
Use public transport
Fly less
Wear jumpers rather than switch on heating
Turn off lights and chargers you're not using!

6. TRAVEL RESPONSIBLY

More of us are thinking about the impact of flying on our environment and taking holidays at home instead. However, if travelling abroad we can lessen our impact on wildlife. Here are some suggestions:

Use sustainable tourist companies
Research threats to local wildlife so you can avoid purchasing goods that harm wildlife
Help support local community eco-activities and continue to support when you return
Avoid buying marine wildlife souvenirs (read more at The Reef-World Foundation)
Don’t get too close to wildlife - respect it and enjoy it from a distance
Whale watch or dive with responsible companies and instructors
DON’T visit aquariums or dolphinariums – this encourages the capture and captivity of wild animals which can cause them stress, behavioural issues, illness and premature death
Say NO to swimming with dolphins – it can cause health risks and stress to dolphins (read more at The Humane Society)
Be aware of sustainable food choices at your destination
Use reef-safe sun-cream

7. BOAT RESPONSIBLY

Many of us enjoy ocean recreational activities including boating, kayaking and water-skiing. However when we enter the ocean we are its guests and its inhabitants need our respect.

Wildlife can be disturbed easily and not only suffer stress but injury and death through vessel strikes. Species at risk of boating accidents include some of those drawn by Kettins Primary children such as dugongs, seals and whales. Read this helpful article of how to boat near marine life at Sailors for the Sea.

8. LEARN ABOUT MARINE WILDLIFE

Learning more about wildlife is not only exciting it also helps us appreciate the unique beauty and importance of each species in its ecosystem, what species are threatened, why, and ways we can take positive action to help them. Remember, humans need wildlife to survive so it is also for our own benefit that wildlife is protected. Here are some suggestions:

Watch wildlife documentaries like Blue Planet
Read books or articles about the environment and wildlife
Follow environmental news organisations such as Mongabay and BBC Wildlife
Follow marine conservation organisations like Greenpeace, Sea Shepherd and Shark Trust on social media

Find out about shark finning and why sharks are in peril, and about aquariums and the aquarium trade after No.10 on our list...

9. TELL OTHERS

By telling others what you have learned not only can you inspire them to get involved in the conservation of wildlife and the environment but you also become a champion for wildlife and humanity! As well as telling people there are other effective ways you can raise awareness:

Share conservation organisations posts
Write posts about and share photographs of your own wildlife experiences
Sign petitions and share them - signing petitions really can effect change!
Talk to your teacher about starting an environment club - Drawing for the Planet has encountered many inspirational students including Elyse Feenan who spoke at our 2019 Endangered Species Conference about her recycling project which had a huge impact on her school and local community

10. FUNDRAISE FOR MARINE AND OTHER CONSERVATION ORGANISATIONS

In order to help wildlife, conservation organisations need funding and that means they need our help. If you are passionate about saving wildlife, or our oceans you can raise funds for organisations that protect them. Here are some fundraising ideas:

Research responsible conservation organisations you would like to raise funds for – Drawing for the Planet like our partners Born Free, is an advocate for keeping wildlife in the wild where it belongs and supports other charities that observe this vision
Organise a school art-sale of children’s wildlife drawings, or bake-sale, or sponsored walk to raise funds – this also helps spreads the word about conservation
VOLUNTEER - many organisations need volunteers to help with their missions - check their websites for volunteer programmes

Here is Rocko with his drawing of a Sea Otter which raises awareness of this endangered species

SHARK FINNING AND WHY SHARKS ARE IN PERIL

Majestic, beautiful yet greatly misunderstood, with over 500 species in existence, sharks are vitally important to our oceans ecosystems. But did you know around 100 MILLION sharks are killed EVERY YEAR?

Victims of bycatch, where species are unintentionally caught in nets intended for other species, sharks are also hunted for their fins. Fins are cut from live sharks leaving them to die an agonising death. Shark fins are used in Shark Fin soup and other body parts for medicines, particularly in traditional Chinese medicine, despite no scientific evidence shark products can cure diseases. These industries are unsustainable with many shark species now facing extinction. Sharks have existed for 450 million year while modern humans only evolved around 200 thousand years ago. Oceans without sharks is surely an unthinkable prospect for us all?

It’s time to shout out for sharks and raise awareness of their plight by telling others or sharing on social media. Here are some helpful articles that further explain these issues: Discover Wildlife / Greenpeace

BE AWARE - Fish and Chips is one of the UK’s most iconic dishes but if you buy ‘rock salmon’ from the menu you are actually eating spiny dog fish, an endangered shark species.

ABOUT AQUARIUMS AND MARINE ANIMALS

Seeing marine animals in public aquariums or keeping fish in home aquariums is something many people enjoy but did you know this pastime comes with ethical and ecological consequences?

Many animals including fish and marine mammals such as dolphins and orcas lives are shortened in captivity. Often kept in inadequate tanks, they can suffer from stress, behavioural issues or illness. While most freshwater fish are bred in captivity, 95-99% of marine fish sold in the aquarium trade are captured in the wild. Not only can this be harmful to species populations particularly endangered species as well as their ecosystems, destructive practices are often used to capture marine species.

In its helpful article about keeping captive fish the Animal Welfare Institute says:

“The use of toxins like cyanide to capture fish can kill or impair both target and nontarget species, while also killing coral or impairing its ability to provide shelter or food to marine life.”

No matter the pleasure we gain from aquariums is it worth the suffering caused to marine species and the destruction of our oceans?

DRAWING FOR THE PLANET

We are a global art and environmental education charity with drawing, one of the oldest forms of communication, at its core. Founded by Artist, Jane Lee McCracken, to share her passions for drawing and wildlife, we partner with international wildlife charity Born Free, conservationists, artists, educators and cultural institutions. Through our art, education, exhibition and conservation fundraising projects we give children, communities and wildlife a voice. Watch our video and visit us at: www.drawingfortheplanet.org

We would love to hear about what activities you do to help save our seas, wildlife and the environment so please share your posts or drawings you create of wildlife by tagging us on our social media platforms below and using the hashtag #dftpnature. We may feature your drawings on our website:

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