Guy Harvey Ocean Foundation Inspires Scientific Research and Education
OutdoorHub 09.23.11
Davie, FL September 26, 2011— The Guy Harvey Ocean Foundation (GHOF), since its formation in 2008, has supported numerous initiatives to encourage conservation and best management practices for sustainable marine environments. It has been front and center with its support—in both science and grants—to provide common sense solutions to reversing overfishing, pollution and other threats to the marine ecosystem.
The GHOF will host its 4th annual fundraiser on Wednesday, October 26th in the Don Taft Center at Nova Southeastern University in Davie. Guests will join renowned marine artist Wyland and host Guy Harvey for an “island casual” evening of great food, drinks and live music. Live and silent auctions with be held, including original artwork, exciting trips and fantastic gifts, with proceeds benefiting the marine conservation work of the GHOF. For ticket information call 1 (800) 288-1227 or visit www.GuyHarveyOceanFoundation.org.
“Healthy oceans are essential for life on our planet. It is our collective responsibility to conserve the marine environment and maintain the biodiversity of our oceans,” said Dr. Guy Harvey, an internationally known marine artist and one of the world’s leading marine conservationists. “Through the support of the Foundation’s many visionary friends and future scientists we will develop new strategies to preserve the life that remains and hopefully restore the marine life that has been destroyed.”
Numerous organizations and causes have benefited from GHOF support over the years, including the Guy Harvey Research Institute at the Nova Southeastern University Oceanographic Center, Bimini Biological Field Station, University of Florida: Florida Museum of Natural History, Mote Marine Laboratory, The Ocean Foundation, Florida Sea Grant’s Guy Harvey Scholarship, Central Caribbean Marine Institute and the RJ Dunlap Marine Conservation Program at the University of Miami.
GHOF grants are used to fund important, new scientific discoveries on everything from migratory and reproductive patterns of various pelagic 
species, to breakthroughs in DNA analysis, to conservation action initiatives to preserve and protect many endangered species of sharks, groupers, marlin, blufin tuna and sea turtles, to raising an amazing $500,000 following through its “Save Our Gulf” campaign following last year’s Gulf of Mexico oil spill.
In July of this year, Dr. Harvey, who holds a PhD in fisheries science and biology, helped lead an international effort to convince the Government of the Bahamas to prohibit all commercial shark fishing in its more than 240,000 square miles of territorial waters.
“The ban on commercial shark fishing and exportation by shark by-products is a huge step in the conservation of sharks worldwide,” said Dr Harvey, who joined with fellow artist Wyland and photographer Jim Abernathy to produce a documentary promoting global shark conservation—This Is Your Oceans Sharks. The 44-minute documentary will be shown to South Florida audiences on October 19th at the Fort Lauderdale Museum of Art and on October 20th at the Miniaci Theater at Nova Southeastern University. . To view the trailer of the documentary, go to http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IPdZVnkoMCM
About Guy Harvey
Guy Harvey is a world-renowned painter, underwater photographer, diver and marine biologist. Harvey, with permission from the Ernest Hemingway family, made a name for himself by debuting two sets of pen and ink drawings, including a collection titled Santiago’s Finest Hour, inspired by the author’s book, The Old Man & the Sea. Since then, Harvey expanded beyond pen and ink to develop an artistic style of painting and photography that captivates fish and ocean lovers. He is a member of the prestigious Society of Animal Artists.
Guy’s books are collectors’ items, including his new “Panama Paradise” book featuring pictures and illustrations of the world famous Tropic Star Lodge in Panama. Among his many other accomplishments, Harvey’s Portraits from the Deep book was made into a television fishing series currently airing on Fox Florida TV Network. The series received a Telly Award.
Much of Harvey’s distinguished work is on a grand scale, having created full-wall murals at Nova Southeastern University in Ft. Lauderdale, FL, the Hollywood-Ft. Lauderdale International Airport and Owen Roberts International Airport in Grand Cayman. Harvey is the recipient Panama’s highest recognition, The Vasco Nuñez de Balboa Grand Cross and Silver Star, presented to those who make a positive impact in preserving Panama’s ocean resources. Solomon Shamah, Panama’s Minister of Tourism, presented the medal to Dr. Harvey. For additional information on Guy Harvey Ocean Foundation please visit www.guyharveyoceanfoundation.org
