December 18, 2007

Media Contacts:
Felecia Henderson
Nova Southeastern University
Office of Public Affairs
Phone: 954-262-5315
Email: fhenders@nova.edu

Lourdes Rodriguez-Barrera
Nova Southeastern University
Office of Public Affairs
Phone: 954-262-5309
Email: rodrlour@nova.edu

Special Screening of Sharkwater Documentary Raises Funds, Brings Awareness to the Surface

From left: IGFA President Rob Kramer; Professor and Dean of NSU’s Oceanographic Center Richard Dodge, Ph.D.; Circle of Friends President Glenda Abbate; renowned marine artist and marine biologist Guy Harvey; and NSU Professor and Director of the Guy Harvey Research Institute Mahmood Shivjy, Ph.D., gathered at the IGFA for a special screening of the award winning documentary Sharkwater.

Ft. Lauderdale-Davie, Fla. - NSU’s Oceanographic Center and the Circle of Friends of NSU’s Alvin Sherman Library, Research and Information Technology Center gathered to make waves in an effort to save sharks.

The International Game Fish Association in Dania Beach set the stage on Thursday, December 6, for a silent auction, a screening of the award winning documentary Sharkwater, and special presentations by Guy Harvey, Ph.D., artist, marine biologist, and conservationist; Mahmood Shivji, Ph.D., Director of the Guy Harvey Research Institute at NSU, Richard Dodge, Ph.D., Dean of NSU’s Oceanographic Center and NSU Circle of Friends president Glenda Abbate.

“This is an inspiring opportunity for us to make a difference for our oceans and humankind by learning first hand about the rapid destruction of the sharks, the alarming shark finning industry, and the implications this has to our oceans, our environment and our future,” said Glenda Abbate, Circle of Friends president. Circle of Friends maintains a diverse group of individuals, corporations and other entities who share the common goal of furthering the intellectual resources of  NSU and generating public interest and support for the Alvin Sherman Library.

As part of the evening, Harvey and Shivji gave more than 300 attendees a first hand look at the devastating effects of a shark wipe out, and the conservation research efforts led by the Guy Harvey Research Institute and NSU’s Oceanographic Center. “Our recent research has shown that up to 73 million shark a year are being killed to supply fins to the market,” said Shivji. “This wholesale slaughter of sharks is having devastating effects on marine ecosystems, and conversation efforts for sharks are urgently needed”.

More than $10,000 was raised for NSU’s Oceanographic Center and the Alvin Sherman Library’s ongoing educational programs.

Sharkwater has garnered 21 awards at film festivals around the world. Filmmaker Rob Stewart’s epic journey Sharkwater puts him on the front lines to save the planet. Part biologist, part investigative reporter, Stewart follows the trail of the multi-billion dollar shark fin trade and sets off a chain of events that has to be seen to be believed. His adventure becomes a dangerous mission involving espionage, corrupt governments, mafia rings, his arrest and a glimpse at his own mortality. Sharkwater is being shown at the IGFA through April 2008 at selected time.

About Nova Southeastern University: Situated on 300 beautiful acres in Davie, Florida, Nova Southeastern University is a dynamic fully accredited institution dedicated to providing high-quality educational programs of distinction from preschool through the professional and doctoral levels. NSU has more than 26,000 students and is the sixth largest not-for-profit independent institution nationally. The university awards associate’s, bachelor’s, master’s, specialist, doctoral, and first-professional degrees in a wide range of fields, including business, counseling, computer and information sciences, education, medicine, optometry, pharmacy, dentistry, various health professions, law, marine sciences, early childhood, psychology and other social sciences. For more information, visit www.nova.edu.

About the Oceanographic Center (OC): Located on a ten-acre site within John U. Lloyd Beach State Park in Dania Beach, Florida the OC is situated on the ocean side of Port Ever¬glades, adjacent to the port's entrance. The Oceanographic Center offers a doctorate (Ph.D.) degree in Oceanography (with emphasis on Marine Biology or Physical Oceanography) and master’s (M.S.) degrees in Marine Biology, Coastal Zone Management (online or onsite), Marine Environmental Sciences, and Physical Oceanography. Joint M.S. degrees can be obtained in Marine Biology and Coastal Zone Management; Marine Biology and Marine Environmental Sciences; Marine Biology and Physical Oceanography; and Coastal Zone Management and Marine Environmental sciences. A non-degree distance Graduate Certificate is offered in Coastal Studies. For additional information visit www.nova.edu/ocean.