Special Screening of Sharkwater Raises Funds, 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. |
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 (IGFA) in Dania Beach set the stage on Dec. 6 for a silent auction, a screening of the award-winning documentary Sharkwater, and special presentations by artist, marine biologist, and conservationist Guy Harvey, Ph.D., 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 firsthand 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 Abbate. 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 firsthand look at the devastating effects of a shark wipeout and the conservation efforts led by the Guy Harvey Research Institute and NSU’s Oceanographic Center. "Our recent research has shown that up to 73 million sharks 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 frontlines to save the planet. Part biologist, part investigative reporter, Stewart follows the trail of the multibillion 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 times.