Author name: Angie Arenzana

Deadhead Rum and Saving Our Sharks Foundation Shake Up Conservation with Shark Cocktail Partnership

Press Release /

PRESS RELEASE FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Deadhead Rum and Saving Our Sharks Foundation Shake Up Conservation with Shark Cocktail Partnership Temecula, CA, April, 17, 2024 – In an exciting and flavorful new venture aimed at stirring positive change for ocean conservation, Saving Our Sharks Foundation (SOSF) and Deadhead® Rum have joined forces to protect sharks and transform lives. This dynamic partnership introduces the Deadhead® SOSF Shark Cocktail campaign that intertwines hospitality with conservation. Representing a fusion of flavors and values, the collaboration underscores the importance of sharks in maintaining the delicate balance of marine ecosystems. By leveraging the platform of the hospitality and tourism industries, the partnership aims to raise awareness, spark conversations, and mobilize action towards safeguarding shark populations and preserving our oceans. This is more than mixing ingredients—it’s about mixing ideas, passion, and action for the health of our oceans. It exemplifies the potential of joining forces across industries to drive meaningful impact for the benefit of sharks, the ocean, and the communities that rely on them.  Central to the partnership is the Deadhead® SOSF Shark Cocktail campaign which challenges select on-premise bars and restaurants to craft an exclusive ocean conservation-themed cocktail using Deadhead Rum. This innovative beverage experience serves as a gateway for individuals to delve into the world of shark conservation, illustrating how everyday choices can contribute to the greater good of our planet. Kim Brandi, founder of Deadhead Rum expressed enthusiasm for the partnership’s potential to inspire change: “The Deadhead® SOSF Shark Cocktail campaign aspires not just to serve a drink, but to create a conversation—an experiential sip towards a more sustainable future.” The Deadhead® SOSF Shark Cocktail campaign is set to launch on April 29, 2024, at the Golden Tiki in Las Vegas, Nevada. The highlight of this campaign is the “Caribbean Shark Revivor” cocktail, a creation of renowned Drink Specialist, Adam Rains. This unique cocktail combines Deadhead Rum with freshly squeezed lime juice, a distinctive mix of salted peach tamarind ginger honey, southern style amaro, absinthe, and specially crafted, ocean conservation-themed garnishes by Dress the Drink. These imaginative garnishes, made from all-natural ingredients, are designed to mimic the coral reefs of the Mexican Caribbean, adding a whimsical touch to each drink. For every shark-themed cocktail sold, a direct contribution will be made towards the advancement of ocean conservation initiatives, marrying the act of sipping with sustainability efforts. Conservation-focused cocktails will be available in select bars, restaurants, and hospitality venues that share a commitment to environmental consciousness, symbolizing the collaboration between the private sector and conservation organizations in fostering a more sustainable future. The collaboration also includes educational initiatives, community engagement efforts, and ongoing support for shark conservation projects led by SOSF. “Led by Deadhead, this creative initiative is a stepping stone for the Shark Hero Program throughout North America. It enables multiple Shark Heroes to create a positive and collaborative impact via partnerships to position the Shark Drink and Shark Table  concepts to raise awareness while saving sharks one drink and bite at a time,” stated Cristina Balcázar Escalera, SOSF Shark Hero and Project Manager. This collaborative partnership between SOSF and Deadhead Rum serves as a beacon of hope, illustrating how the private sector can leverage its influence and resources to mobilize individuals towards a common goal that benefits both people and the planet. ## END OF PRESS RELEASE About Saving Our Sharks Foundation: Saving Our Sharks Foundation (SOSF) is a leading non-profit organization dedicated to the protection and conservation of sharks and marine ecosystems. Through research, advocacy, and community engagement, SOSF strives to ensure a sustainable future for our oceans. For more information on our Shark Hero partnerships and opportunities for involvement, please contact: [email protected] Press contact: Angelica Arenzana  / [email protected] Follow Us:  Website  |  Facebook  |  Instagram  |  YouTube About Deadhead Rum: Deadhead Rum is a premium rum brand known for its distinctive packaging and exceptional quality. Committed to environmental stewardship, Deadhead Rum actively supports marine conservation initiatives and collaborates with organizations like SOSF to drive positive change for our planet. For more information on the Deadhead SOSF Cocktail Campaign partnerships and opportunities, please contact: [email protected] Press Contact: Kim Brandi / [email protected] Follow Us:  Website |  Instagram

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Shark Heroes de Cozumel y Maestros del Mar: Uniendo fuerzas para proteger a los tiburones

Press Release /

COMUNICADO DE PRENSA PARA PUBLICACIÓN INMEDIATA Shark Heroes de Cozumel y Maestros del Mar: Uniendo fuerzas para proteger a los tiburones   El evento organizado por la comunidad de Shark Heroes comprometidos con la Fundación Saving Our Sharks y Saving Our Sharks A.C. en colaboración con Hotel B Unique Cozumel, reunió a pescadores ‘Maestros del Mar’ comprometidos con la protección de los tiburones. Durante el evento, se celebró la certificación de pescadores en Advanced Open Water Diver y Primeros Auxilios, gracias al apoyo de PADI AWARE, DAN, prestadores de servicios turísticos y restaurantes de Isla Cozumel y se reconoció el compromiso de los Maestros del Mar con la protección de los tiburones. La colaboración entre Shark Heroes de Cozumel y Maestros del Mar de Isla Mujeres fortalece la conservación de tiburones en el Caribe Mexicano, beneficiando a los ecosistemas y comunidades locales promoviendo la conservación del patrimonio biocultural. Isla Cozumel, México, 11 de marzo de 2024 –  El evento para celebrar la profesionalización de la Cooperativa Kab Xok de Isla Mujeres organizado por la Fundación Saving Our Sharks, Saving Our Sharks A.C. y en colaboración con el Hotel B Unique Cozumel, concluyó exitosamente el pasado 10 de marzo. Este evento reunió a pescadores y Maestros del Mar comprometidos con la protección de los tiburones, así como a socios “Shark Heroes”, incluyendo empresas aliadas de Saving Our Sharks Foundation, la industria local de turismo/hoteles y la comunidad local de buceo. Durante el evento, se celebró a 10 pescadores de la Cooperativa Kax Xok, también conocidos como los Maestros del Mar, por recibir la certificación de PADI Advanced Open Water Diver y Primeros Auxilios después de 3 días largos de trabajo. La clausura del evento se celebró en el Hotel B Unique, un socio Shark Hero y Empresa B, donde se reconoció a los Maestros del Mar por su compromiso con la protección de los tiburones y se fortaleció su camino hacia la profesionalización en el emprendimiento de actividades ecoturísticas. “Nos sentimos inspirados por la labor de los Maestros del Mar y reconocemos que es gracias a ellos que estamos disfrutando de avistamientos significativos de tiburones  reportados por prestadores de servicios a través de ciencia ciudadana desde el año pasado en toda la eco-región incluyendo en Cozumel gracias a esfuerzos como los de Cozumel Ocean Research”, comentó Cristina Balcázar Escalera, Gerente de proyectos de SOSF y Coordinadora de Shark Heroes. “Quiero agradecer a la comunidad de Cozumel y en particular a los Shark Heroes por apoyar a los Maestros del Mar quienes vuelven a Isla Mujeres certificados como buzos avanzados y con una experiencia invaluable con la comunidad de Cozumel” afirmó agradecida de nuevo Cristina. Los invitados de honor en el evento fueron los 14 de 28 Maestros del Mar, un grupo de pescadores heróicos quienes han decidido abandonar la pesca tradicional de tiburones para embarcarse en un esfuerzo conjunto de conservación y emprendimiento ecoturístico. Raziel, Presidente de la Cooperativa Kab Xok, marcó el evento con un emotivo discurso: “Nosotros desde hace años nos dedicamos a pescar tiburón, pero como todo en la vida, si no evolucionas, mueres, entonces ya llega el momento para hacer otras cosas, hay que innovar, hay que cambiar para que podamos subsistir porque si seguimos así va a llegar el momento que todo esto va a colapsar y de qué vamos a vivir.” El evento también sirvió como un espacio para compartir experiencias y conocimientos entre los Shark Heroes locales, fortaleciendo así la comunidad y colaboración en la conservación de tiburones en el Caribe Mexicano. “Estamos en un momento crítico para la conservación de los tiburones, lo que nuestros amigos pescadores están haciendo es algo histórico y trascendental. Juntos, podremos lograr que Quintana Roo se vuelva un santuario de tiburones y que otras comunidades costeras en México sigan el ejemplo de estos héroes Del Mar”, comentó Juan Pablo Maturana, dueño de Scuba Life Cozumel una de varias de las empresas y prestadores de servicios de buceo que apoyan la iniciativa. “Queremos agradecer a todos las personas participantes, socios y colaboradores por su apoyo a esta iniciativa que apoyaron con capacitaciones, alimentación, transporte, y hospedaje. Un esfuerzo entre islas hermanas para celebrar y solidarizarse con los Maestros del Mar y por amor los tiburones una especie clave para la salud arrecifal”, dijo Luis Lombardo, Director Ejecutivo de Saving Our Sharks Foundation. “Gracias a este esfuerzo colaborativo y comunitario, hemos salvado más de 20,000 tiburones entre 2022 y 2023, beneficiando a la salud de los ecosistemas y comunidades locales”. El éxito del evento en Cozumel destaca la importancia de la colaboración entre pescadores Maestros del Mar, Shark Heroes y aliados de Saving Our Sharks Foundation en la protección de los tiburones. Esta iniciativa no solo fortalece la profesionalización de los pescadores y su transición hacia el ecoturismo, sino que también beneficia la salud de ecosistemas y personas que habitan en la Reserva de la Biósfera del Caribe Mexicano y promueve el equilibrio del Sistema Arrecifal Mesoamericano del que dependemos para la vida y actividades productivas. [Fin del Comunicado de Prensa] Contacto de prensa: Angélica Arenzana, Development Manager / [email protected] Descargar Fotografías Síguenos: Saving Our Shark Foundation:   Sitio Web  |  Facebook  |  Instagram  |  YouTube Saving Our Sharks A.C.:   Sitio Web  |  Facebook  |  Instagram  |  YouTube

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How VANS is Helping Keep #SharksOffTheHook

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Dive into a world where style meets purpose and where our passion for shark conservation takes center stage. We are thrilled to announce an extraordinary partnership between VANS and Saving Our Sharks Foundation. Together, we are on a mission to keep #SharksOffTheHook while honoring the true “Masters of the Sea” – the fishermen who have bravely given up their tradition of shark fishing in favor of their conservation.   VANS x Saving Our Sharks Foundation  Did you know more than 11,000 sharks are killed every hour? VANS and Saving Our Sharks Foundation are on a mission to change that reality. In this remarkable collaboration, we share a common vision: to protect and conserve sharks – the keystone species of our oceans. The VANS Sharks Off The Hook partnership represents a powerful alliance dedicated to raising awareness, driving action, and preserving the delicate balance of our marine ecosystems. At the heart of it all are the #SharksOffTheHook VANS custom-designed shark shoes.   Unleashing Style with Purpose The #SharksOffTheHook VANS shark shoes are more than a fashion statement. They are a symbol of our commitment to shark conservation and livelihood transformation. Each shoe is crafted as a tribute to the grace and power of sharks, capturing their awe-inspiring presence. By wearing these shoes, you become an ambassador, carrying the message of our cause wherever you go, spreading awareness and igniting conversations. How VANS’ Community Makes a Difference When you choose a pair of VANS shark shoes, you actively show your support for the fishermen who have traded in their hooks to protect sharks. Vans has created these two special edition shoe designs and has donated USD $20K to Saving Our Sharks Foundation, to support sustainable livelihoods and non-extractive ecotourism, like diving with sharks. With each step you take in these shoes, you embody the spirit of the “Masters of the Sea” and join the movement to keep Sharks Off The Hook. Make Waves and Join the Movement! Ready to make a tangible impact while embracing style that makes a statement? Step into the movement and claim your pair of #SharksOffTheHook VANS today! While wearing your new kicks, you not only showcase your love for the ocean but also actively participate in the collective effort to protect sharks and their marine habitat. Explore the captivating designs that VANS created exclusively for Saving Our Sharks Foundation that pay homage to the ocean’s apex predators. Shop Now Join us on this remarkable journey, proudly wear your VANS shark shoes, and let every step you take be a testament to your commitment to the ocean’s guardians. Keep #SharksOffTheHook and make a splash with VANS!

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Study: New Ultrasound Technology Reveals Bull Shark Pregnancy

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We are thrilled to announce a groundbreaking scientific feat that promises to transform shark conservation. A recent groundbreaking study by Edgar Mauricio Hoyos-Padilla of Saving Our Sharks A.C. and Pelagios Kakunjá, and Dr. James Sulikowski from Sulikowski Lab, has led to an extraordinary discovery that sheds light on the hidden world of bull sharks (Carcharhinus leucas) in the waters of Playa del Carmen, Mexico. In the realm where breathtaking dives and enigmatic bull sharks collide, a team of visionary scientists embarked on an awe-inspiring journey. With the financial support of Saving Our Sharks Foundation and Ocean Blue Tree, they harnessed cutting-edge technology to explore the depths of these remarkable creatures’ reproductive lives. Introducing the pioneering study: The successful use of a submersible ultrasound to confirm pregnancy on free swimming bull sharks, Carcharhinus leucas, in a provisioned shark site. This study not only deepens our understanding of bull sharks but also highlights the crucial intersection of scientific inquiry and ecotourism. When this shark diving activity started, the diving and scientific community did not know if the shark population that visited Playa del Carmen were pregnant, where they came from or where they went to every year. All they knew was that during the winter season, unexpectedly large sharks came to visit, disappeared after some time, and reappeared looking thinner. Now, after 12 years of research and the use of different kinds of technologies, we have scientific data that gives us clues of their movement and most important of all, proves the hypothesis that most of these sharks are pregnant. Also, with this kind of breakthrough, we demonstrate one more time that diving tourism has not only contributed to local economies but also offered a unique opportunity for scientific exploration.  The study’s uniqueness lies in its innovative use of a fully submersible ultrasound developed by EI Medical. Scientists ventured into the depths to examine free-swimming female bull sharks. In a remarkable twist, they confirmed the presence of embryos in three female sharks, unveiling the hidden marvels of underwater maternity. This revelation holds paramount importance for shark protection. By understanding the gestation and birthing grounds of pregnant sharks, we gain insights critical to their conservation. This newfound knowledge equips us to protect their habitats and ensure their future survival. Equally remarkable is the technological leap this study represents. The successful development and use of a new, non-invasive underwater HD ultrasound technology affectionately called the “Aquanaut,” opens new avenues for studying marine life in their natural habitats without disruption. Ready to dive deeper into this groundbreaking study? The full paper, authored by the brilliant minds at Pelagios Kakunjá, Fins Attached, Centro Interdisciplinario de Ciencias Marinas, Saving Our Sharks A.C., School of Mathematical & Natural Sciences at Arizona State, awaits your exploration. Read the full paper here. As guardians of the ocean, we are committed to revealing the wonders beneath the surface and championing the protection of these incredible creatures. The strides we make today lay the foundation for a brighter, more harmonious future for sharks and our marine ecosystem as a whole. Join us in celebrating this remarkable achievement and embarking on a quest to unravel the hidden tapestry of life in our oceans. Together, we can ensure that the legacy of these incredible bull sharks endures for generations to come. Your support, curiosity, and dedication fuel our mission to save our sharks.  Share and comment to spread the good news!

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