May 10, 2024

Sea of Change Foundation recognizes Dan Orr with Lifetime Explorer Award 2024

The Sea of Change Foundation is pleased to announce that its Board of Directors has nominated and chosen Dan Orr to receive the 2024 Lifetime Explorer Award. Each year the Foundation’s Board of Directors honors an individual for a lifetime of excellence in environmental awareness and exploration. Mr. Orr joins the esteemed ranks of past Lifetime Explorer awardees such as Captain Wayne Hasson, Doug McNeese, Jean-Michel Cousteau, and Michele Westmorland. The official award will be presented at the Aggressor Adventures® DEMA-2024 booth #5045 in Las Vegas, Nevada on Thursday, November 21 at 5 pm local time.

During his 23 years of service at Divers Alert Network (DAN), Orr held various positions from Director of Training to President/CEO. He used grassroots approaches to educate divers about DAN and traveled the world to further DAN’s diver safety mission. One of Orr’s early roles at DAN was to develop and implement the DAN Emergency Oxygen First Aid Program that has become the standard of care in providing first aid to injured divers. Now a diving industry consultant, Orr continues to share his diving safety expertise through regular free-diver safety webinars and invited presentations at national and international diving conventions. Orr has authored several books and written hundreds of articles on various diver safety topics. Over the years, Orr has held professional memberships and leadership positions in many notable diving organizations such as the YMCA, NAUI, PADI the International Association of Nitrox and Technical Divers (IANTD), The Undersea and Hyperbaric Medical Society (UHMS), the National Association for Cave Diving (NACD), the Diving Equipment and Marketing Association (DEMA), the Academy of Underwater Arts & Sciences (AUAS), the American Academy of Underwater Sciences (AAUS), Force Blue, the Women Divers Hall of Fame (WDHOF, Ambassador), the Institute of Diving, the Explorers Club and the Historical Diving Society.

Founded by leaders in the scuba diving industry nearly 10 years ago and as the official conservation non-profit partner of Aggressor Adventures, the Sea of Change Foundation’s mission is to create positive change for the natural world we all love to enjoy and explore. “Recognizing Dan’s dedication to both safe diving and promoting big adventures is our honor”, said Wayne Brown, Chairman of the Foundation’s Board and CEO of Aggressor Adventures®. “Dan’s friendship and guidance in diving have been personally invaluable to me; I’m thrilled we have this opportunity to publicly recognize all his hard work”, said Samantha Whitcraft, the Foundation’s Executive Director. “Dan Orr is truly a lifetime explorer, blazing a trail of safe diving for us all to follow.”

_______________ About the Sea of Change Foundation: The Sea of Change Foundation funds conservation and research initiatives that directly impact the natural world we all love to enjoy and explore. Our mission is to create positive change. Learn more about and support the foundation, here: donate.

Sea of Change Foundation Welcomes Jerry Beaty to its Board of Directors

Feb 15, 2024

The Sea of Change Foundation is pleased to welcome Jerry Beaty to its Board of Directors. Jerry has served on the Foundation’s Board of Advisors since its inception in 2014. Given his exemplary service and dedication to the Foundation, he will now serve as a director.

Mr. Beaty brings a love of the oceans and nature to his position on the Board of Directors. Jerry began his career in the dive industry in the 1970’s and went on to create All Sun Tours, which became the largest dive wholesale travel company to cater exclusively to dive retailers and their students. In 1996, Jerry joined Dive Training Magazine as Advertising Manager and was then quickly promoted to Associate Publisher. As a veteran of the dive industry, Beaty was part of development team patenting the Supplied Air Snorkeling for Youth (SASY) program. Today, Jerry Beaty is certified by several scuba diving agencies and is an SSI Platinum Pro 5000 cardholder. “I greatly value the excellent work of the Sea of Change Foundation and am honored to join the Board of Directors in continuing our support of community-based conservation work around the world”, said Mr. Beaty.

Founded by leaders in the scuba diving industry, the Sea of Change Foundation has since expanded its mission to address both terrestrial and marine conservation with three conservation focus areas: Ocean Pollution –Public Awareness & Action, Coral Reefs – Restoration & Resilience, and Threatened Species & Habitats. “Recognizing the dedication, skills, and experience Jerry brings to the Foundation, we look forward to working with him for another decade or more”, said Wayne Brown, Chairman of the Board and CEO of Aggressor Adventures®. “Jerry’s expertise and guidance in the field of marine conservation and coral reefs restoration has always been invaluable to me and the Foundation; I’m thrilled he’ll now be serving as a Director”, said Samantha Whitcraft, the Foundation’s Executive Director.

Samantha Whitcraft Joins Women Divers Hall of Fame

Conservation Biologist is Recognized for Her Marine Conservation Efforts

Nov 14, 2023

Augusta, Georgia—Aggressor Adventures Director of Conservation & Outreach Samantha Whitcraft will be inducted into the Women Divers Hall of Fame in 2024. Whitcraft is recognized for her efforts to protect and preserve marine environments worldwide.

“I am so deeply honored and humbled to be counted among the incredible leaders and change-makers in the Women Divers Hall of Fame, many of whom have long been my mentors, role models, and heroes throughout my career. I am and will always be grateful to them for their guidance,” says Whitcraft. “In conservation, success often requires a team, and I’ve been blessed to work with some of the best including the New England Aquarium, NOAA-Fisheries Early Life History Lab, Shark Savers, Oceanic Society, and now the Sea of Change Foundation.”

Every year, the Women Divers Hall of Fame acknowledges women divers who have made outstanding contributions to the exploration, understanding, safety and enjoyment of our underwater world. The Hall of Fame supports the underwater world and its associated careers by promoting opportunities in diving through grants, scholarships, internships and mentoring, as well as providing a worldwide network of industry contacts. The Women Divers Hall of Fame was founded in 1999.

Samantha Whitcraft is a marine conservation biologist, environmentalist and oceans advocate. Logging 5000+

research and educational dives around the world, she created the first classroom-at-sea in Gardens of the Queen National Park, Cuba. After earning her Bachelor’s in natural science at Harvard and her Master of Marine Affairs & Policy at University of Miami, she worked to legally protect endangered marine species, especially sharks, whales, and manatees. She has studied coral reef MPAs’ connectivity and investigated the shark fin trade in China, all while promoting sustainable ecotourism over her 30+ year career. Whitcraft initiated and developed Aggressor Adventures^® award-winning sustainability program, Green the Fleet^®, and is Executive Director of the Sea of Change Foundation, providing leadership in community-based conservation around the globe. Aggressor Liveaboards^® was among the first in the scuba industry to create and maintain a dedicated Director of Conservation & Outreach position.

Aggressor Adventures & SSI Partner to Raise Funds for Conservation

Over $75,000 in auction items

Oct 13, 2023

Augusta, Georgia – Aggressor Adventures^® and SSI^® have partnered to raise funds for the Sea of Change Foundation with an incredible adventure-themed, online auction open for bidding and monetary pledges from October 16, 2023 (8:00 AM EDT) to November 18, 2023 (11:59 PM EST). All funds raised support the Foundation’s mission to create positive change for the natural world we all love to enjoy and explore. The Foundation is a US-based, tax-exempt nonprofit and the official conservation partner of Aggressor Adventures^®.

Over fifty auction items are offered at an incredible value with most opening bids starting well below retail value including amazing trips, adventures, water sports and dive gear, original and signed artwork (donated by the Guy Harvey Foundation and Michele Westmorland), camera gear, gift baskets/cards and so much more!

Starting with Aggressor Adventures^®, there are four “trips of a lifetime” to bid on:

1 week for 2 guests aboard BVI Aggressor® with a Balcony Suite
1 week for 2 guests aboard Red Sea Aggressor IV®
1 week for 1 guest aboard Jardines Aggressor II®, Gardens of the Queen, Cuba
1 week for 2 guests aboard Bahamas Aggressor®, Tiger Beach via Liveaboard.com

Or bid on a fabulous 1-week, liveaboard trip for 1 guest (with 20% off a second guest) for the “ultimate whale shark adventure” in the Sea of Cortez with Nautilus^®.

Fantastic land-based adventures to bid on include a 3-day shark and turtle field research experience with MarAlliance and, separately, a hotel stay and tour at Lamanai Landings, both in beautiful Belize. Or bid on a fabulous 7-night stay/dive at Manta Ray Bay Resort, Yap! Is the Philippines on your adventure bucket list? Dive/stay for a week at two boutique resorts with Amuni Ini. Or rest and relax with a 7-night stay for six people in a private villa on St. Lucia; or a 7-night VIP stay for two guests in Treasure Beach, Jamaica…!

The auction also includes the best dive gear starting with everything a diver needs, including brand new regulators, BCDs, computers, masks/fins/snorkels, dive bags, wetsuits, and rash guards from leaders in the industry, including Aqualung^®, Coltri^®, Mares^®, SCUBAPRO^®, TUSA^®, Henderson^®, OCEAN REEF^®, Shearwater^®, and Sharkskin^®.

To complete your adventure, the auction also offers two paddleboards from AKONA^®, a Suunto^® sports watch for outdoor expeditions, the best reef-safe skincare from Stream2Sea^®, complete travel kits from SSI^®, a choice of three Hoffner knives, and underwater camera equipment from GATES and the Mike & Mike Photography School^®.

“We are deeply grateful for the support of our wonderful sponsors, Aggressor Adventures® and SSI, and for all our generous donors, including California Diving News/Scuba Show, DAN, and Classified Diving. Without the dive and adventure travel community’s dedication to conservation and their generosity, this amazing auction, and the critical conservation it will fund would not be possible,” said Samantha Whitcraft, the Foundation’s Executive Director. “We are so excited to work, again, with Guido Waetzig, SSI’s CEO, and so many conservationists working to preserve our coral reefs, terrestrial ecosystems, and threatened species,” says Wayne Brown, Aggressor Adventures^® CEO and Board Chair of the Foundation. “Please join us in raising funds by bidding in or donating to the auction to help support the Foundation’s excellent work with innovative, community-based conservation projects around the world.” Check out the auction, LIVE NOW, and bid to create your “trip of a lifetime”!

Sea of Change Foundation Provides Reef Rescue & Rapid Response Funding Opportunities, 2023

June 27, 2023

In an on-going effort to support marine conservation across scuba diving and coastal communities, the Sea of Change Foundation is again providing funding opportunities for effective and immediate responses to reef damage from anthropogenic impacts such as anchor drops, vessel groundings, oil spills, and other localized and acute impacts to coral reefs. For the sixth year, the Foundation is maintaining a fund dedicated to helping enable communities with a timely response to such incidents –the innovative Reef Rescue & Rapid Response program.

The fund provides one-time, mini grants that range from $500 to a maximum of $5,000 USD as needed. The awarded grants will support divers and their communities in responding quickly to a reef damaging incident by helping to cover immediate costs such as boat fuel, staff time, video cameras, lift bags, transect tapes, and handheld GPS units. A short-form, one-page application is required that describes the date and cause of the incident and the planned response. Anticipated responses may include damage assessment and restoration, or collection of coral fragments for regrowth, and/or up-righting of larger corals that may recover in situ.

Applicants need only send an initial email inquiry to grants(at)seaofchange.com to begin the short, one-page application to acquire the requested funds once approved by the Foundation’s Board of Directors. A brief follow-up report and photo-documentation will also be required.

It is the goal of the Reef Rescue & Rapid Response program to enable and empower the global dive community to act as first-responders to damage on their local reefs. “As divers, our beautiful coral reefs are often what we seek, and they are often why we dive. Therefore, it is our duty to do all that we can to help protect them,” said Samantha Whitcraft, the foundation’s Executive Director and SSI Platinum-Pro 5000 diver. And, she continued, “we hope divers everywhere will make use of and support this new fund.” Importantly, “through the Foundation, 100% of donations go directly to such conservation initiatives around the world to ensure future generations of divers can also experience the ocean and its wonders,” concluded Wayne Brown, CEO of Aggressor Adventures® and Chairman of the Board of Directors of the foundation.

To date, the Reef Resuce and Rapid Response program has funded successful reef rescue projects with local communities in the Bahamas, Malaysia, and the Caribbean.

Shark Scientist Dr. Rachel Graham to join the Sea of Change Foundation’s Caribbean Conservation Week 2023 aboard Belize Aggressor IV

April 5, 2023

Aggressor Liveaboards® is pleased to announce an exciting addition to this year’s unique adventure with the Sea of Change Foundation, the official conservation partner of Aggressor Adventures®. From August 19 – 26, 2023, the Belize Aggressor IV will host our popular, annual Caribbean Conservation Week! this year with Rachel Graham PhD, a leading shark scientist with 25 years of conservation successes in Belize and worldwide.

Dr. Rachel Graham, a Belizean National, is an award-winning conservation scientist focused on community-based research, education, conservation, and policy. Dr. Graham seeks win-win solutions to reverse marine biodiversity loss by empowering local marine stewards and creating thriving shark populations. Her innovative and collaborative work has made marine science worldwide markedly more inclusive and diverse. Her approach has also led to such policy wins, as the creation and expansion of protected areas, marine species’ protections, and the first ban of unsustainable fishing nets in Belize. In 2011, she won the Whitley Fund for Nature’s Gold Award and in 2021, she was awarded the Pew Marine Fellowship and in 2022 Oceana’s Ocean Hero Award in Belize. This year she was recognized by the Explorer’s Club EC50 on their list of “fifty extraordinary individuals changing the world.” She is the founder of the international non-profit MarAlliance, a blended team of scientists and fishers established 2014.

Rachel will provide guests the option to enjoy brief afternoon presentations (between dives) on timely conservation topics such as: Rewilding Belize with Sharks; The Secret Lives of Belize’s Sharks and Rays; and When Shark Fishers become Shark Stewards.

“We’re thrilled to have Dr. Graham join us on this adventure. Her expertise and unique, local insights to conservation in Belize are sure to make this year’s Caribbean Conservation Week an adventure of a lifetime®!”,” says Samantha Whitcraft, Executive Director of the Sea of Change Foundation who will lead the trip. Aggressor Adventures’ CEO Wayne Brown said, “This is an amazing opportunity for divers to deepen their experience with important conservation context above and below the water. At Aggressor Adventures, combining exploration and conservation is part of our DNA.”

Belize is situated along the Mesoamerican barrier reef ecosystem, the second longest in the world. The reef attracts a wide variety of marine animals supporting healthy populations of vibrant tropical fishes, large nurse sharks and abundant corals making it a true diver’s delight in the Caribbean. Join Dr. Graham and conservation biologist, Samantha Whitcraft, in exploring the thriving Belize marine ecosystem while enjoying the ultimate in live-aboards^®. The itinerary provides divers access to world-renowned Lighthouse and Turneffe Reefs, Half Moon Caye and the massive deep Blue Hole first explored by Jacques Cousteau in 1972. The spacious 138-foot Belize Aggressor IV pampers 20 guests with legendary service, mouth-watering cuisine, and signature amenities including eight deluxe staterooms with twin beds or one king bed, and two master staterooms with one queen bed. Itinerary, trip, and booking details:

7-night charter, Saturday to Saturday, Aug 19 – 26, 2023
Average up to 27 dives (multiple day dives + night dives); Nitrox available
Average water temperatures range: 78 – 82F/ 25 – 28C
All dives are from the yacht; tender is available for optional shore excursions
Embark/Disembark: Radisson Ft. George dock, downtown Belize City
Join us! Reservations & bookings: 800-348-2628 or online.

Captain Wayne Hasson Memorial Applied Marine Conservation Graduate Research Scholarship

March 2022

Sponsored by: the Sea of Change Foundation in memory of Capt Wayne Hasson (WDHOF Member Anne Hasson)

Ashley Dawdy ($2,000 scholarship)
Ashley is a Master’s student at Florida State University and a member of Dr. Dean Grubbs’ research group at the FSU Coastal and Marine Laboratory. She is an AAUS Scientific Diver and PADI Divemaster. Her thesis investigates the movement ecology of elasmobranchs of conservation concern. In Apalachicola Bay, she studies cownose ray (Rhinoptera bonasus) movement behavior to assess interaction potential of rays with commercial bivalves. She studies the movement behavior of smalltooth sawfish (Pristis pectinata) in the Florida Keys, aiming to identify potential species mating areas. Following graduate school, Ashley hopes to continue elasmobranch research within an aquarium research program.

Sea of Change Foundation Honors Wayne Hasson with Posthumous Lifetime Explorer Award 2021

December 21, 2020 – The Sea of Change Foundation is pleased to announce the 2021 recipient of their prestigious Lifetime Explorer Award is dive industry legend and former foundation Board Member, Wayne Hasson. This annual award honors individuals who exemplify a lifetime of excellence in ocean awareness and exploration. Mr. Hasson is globally recognized as an explorer, environmentalist, educator, and innovator in the dive industry. It is awarded to Mr. Hasson posthumously.

Captain Wayne Hasson was a marine, SCUBA diver extraordinaire and instructor, boat captain, pilot, world traveler and true pioneer in the SCUBA diving industry. Wayne was born in Columbus, Ohio (1950), lived in the Cayman Islands for 20 years, then settled in Naples, Florida in 1999. Wayne fell in love with the sea at an early age while living at the Outer Banks of North Carolina. There he learned boating, diving, fishing, and boat building. Wayne was a proud U.S. Marine serving from 1970 – 1978, including a tour to the Far East supporting operations in Vietnam and served aboard the USS Okinawa assisting in the evacuation of Saigon.

In 1984, Wayne became the first captain of the new Cayman Aggressor (one of the first-ever liveaboard dive yachts) growing it to become the Aggressor Fleet. The fleet later became an internationally recognized brand and leader in exploratory and expeditionary travel, Aggressor Adventures®. Wayne later became partner and President of the new expanded travel company until his passing in 2020.

Wayne’s passion was to inspire youth to explore, understand, and respect the ocean and its wildlife through SCUBA diving, ocean education, and conservation. As an avid pilot, he encouraged countless students of all ages to fly through the Young Eagles program. Wayne was President of the Cayman Islands Watersports Association, Vice President of the Sister Islands Tourism Association, and served on the Boards of the Diving Equipment & Marketing Association (DEMA), the Sea of Change Foundation, Oceans for Youth Foundation, Friends of Rookery Bay, and the Florida Gulf Coast University’s Eagles Club.

The Lifetime Explorer Award was presented by several members of the Foundation’s Board of Directors to his widow, Anne Hasson at the Aggressor Adventures’ headquarters in Augusta, Georgia on December 15. Ms. Hasson who also serves on the Foundation’s Board said, “What an honor and wonderful way to remember Wayne’s legacy. I’m grateful and know that this would make him smile. On his behalf, thank you all very much.”

“Wayne truly embodied the spirit of this award in that his life’s work was based on exploring the world’s oceans for divers and sharing his knowledge of the ocean with adults and children alike. His love of exploration continues to guide us every day,” said Wayne Brown, Chairman of the Board of the foundation and CEO of Aggressor Adventures®.

Sea of Change Foundation’s Samantha Whitcraft Named Scuba Diving’s Sea Hero,

May 2021

Augusta, Georgia. May 4, 2021. For immediate release: The Sea of Change Foundation’s Executive Director, Samantha Whitcraft, has been named Scuba Diving Magazine’s SEA HERO, May 2021. The award is given by Scuba Diving.com, PROSPEX, and Seiko recognizing “people of action, devotion to protecting the planet’s oceans and marine life through conservation, technology or by simply helping others.” According to the magazine article describing her achievements, “as Executive Director of Sea of Change [Foundation]—where 100 percent of donations go to conservation projects—Whitcraft connects the dots between conservation and commerce, knowing that the future of the dive industry depends on the marriage of ecotourism and community-based conservation. For that she is our May Sea Hero.”

As a conservation biologist, Whitcraft has worked in in the field, lab, classroom, and office for over 25 years tackling some of the most pressing ocean issues including shark conservation, marine protected areas, the unsustainable international wildlife trade, protecting coral reefs, and ocean literacy through citizen science. With the Sea of Change Foundation, she has spearheaded a clear mission, creation of conservation focus areas, and new grants programs including the Foundation’s successful, innovative Reef Rescue and Rapid Response Fund that empowers divers and their communities with grant funds to act as first-responders to acute reef-damaging incidents. With Aggressor Adventures®, as their Director of Conservation & Outreach, she initiated and formalized expansion of the company’s sustainability initiatives with the Green the Fleet® program that works to reduce environmental impacts across all operations including increased energy efficiency, greener waste disposal, limiting single-use plastics, introducing coral-friendly sunscreens, and reducing packaging.

This September, Whitcraft will lead Aggressor Adventures’ first specifically conservation-themed dive adventure, Sharks, Coral and Conservation! aboard the beautiful 100-foot Bahamas Aggressor yacht in the Bahamas’ more remote Out Islands. This exclusive trip will be available for 14 guests and will provide the same excellent service, mouth-watering cuisine, and signature amenities divers have come to expect over the past 35 years. In the evenings, Samantha will offer short, fun, and informative presentations about the fascinating world of ocean conservation, focusing on the healthy coral reefs and abundant sharks of the Exuma Cays Land & Sea Park, one of the first marine protected areas of its kind established in 1959. Guests may also opt to experience, hands-on, how the Sea of Change Foundation works with marine scientists from Ocean First Institute using lasers to measure sharks underwater!

“I’m honored by both this amazing award – thank you to Scuba Diving Magazine and Seiko – and by the opportunity to share my passion for conservation directly with Aggressor Adventures’ guests.” said Whitcraft. “The Sea of Change Foundation’s successes are a direct reflection of its leadership, and this award shines a light on the knowledge, experience, and energy Samantha brings to the Foundation” concluded the Foundation’s Board Chair, and Aggressor Adventures’ CEO Wayne Brown, Wayne Brown. “The Board of Directors and I could not be prouder of Samantha for this well-deserved recognition.”

Earth Day 2021 – Sea of Change Foundation Promotes Sustainable Sun Protection

For Immediate Release. Augusta, Georgia. April 20, 2021:

For Immediate Release. Augusta, Georgia. April 22, 2021: In celebration of Earth Day and in our on-going efforts to protect our waters and our precious coral reefs, the Sea of Change Foundation, in partnership with Aggressor Adventures®, is promoting the use of protective clothing as sun block and offering a discount on our popular sun protection merchandise.

Why are we promoting sun protection clothing on Earth Day? The Foundation’s Sustainable Choices program provides educational materials about choosing environmentally friendly sun protection emphasizing clothing first, followed by reef-friendly, mineral sunscreen lotions. Why? Because physically blocking the sun with a good hat or long-sleeve shirt can be effective in protecting the wearer from sun exposure while limiting the need for commonly used chemical sunscreens, many with ingredients found to impact aquatic life in both fresh-water and saltwater environments. Helping to keep harmful chemicals such as oxybenzone, octinoxate, and octocrylene out of our waters is something we can all do this Earth Day.

Beginning on April 22, Earth Day, and for a week through April 29, using discount code SOCearthday21 when purchasing our men’s or women’s rash guard, broadbrim field hat, or adjustable baseball cap provides a 15% discount. All items feature our chambered nautilus logo, and all funds raised go directly to conservation
research and community action that creates positive change around the world!

“We invite our friends and colleagues from the adventure travel communities to join us in celebrating Earth Day by committing to help protect our planet’s precious water resources,” says Samantha Whitcraft, the Foundation’s Executive Director. “With the generous support of Aggressor Adventures®, our goal is to raise $3,000 to support our Reef Rescue and Rapid Response Fund that empowers local communities to respond to reef-damaging events,” she added. “This Earth Day and every day, with the Sea of Change Foundation, funds from 100% of your purchases and donations go directly to support conservation and research so that future generations can also fall in love with the beauty and wonders of this watery planet called Earth,” says founder Wayne Brown, CEO of Aggressor Adventures® and Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Foundation.

You can shop for the Foundation’s exclusive sun protection merchandise at our on-line store or donate directly to the Foundation, here. Thank you and Happy Earth Day!

Sea of Change Foundation Announces Successful Bluefin Tuna Tagging with Tag-A-Giant

For Immediate Release. Augusta, Georgia. March 1, 2021:

Since 2015, the Sea of Change Foundation has supported threatened species conservation projects around the world. In 2020, with the TAG (Tag A Giant) team, the foundation expanded that support to include satellite tagging and tracking of Atlantic bluefin tuna. The Foundation funded three pop-up, satellite archival tags. These technologically advanced devices – using the same microchips and communications technologies found in cell phones – record the fishes’ movements across vast distances.

In December 2020, despite pandemic-caused logistical challenges and bad weather, five fish were tagged, three with satellite tages off the coast of Morehead, North Carolina. The average size of the tagged bluefin tunas was 250 pounds with a 70-inch fork length, making these fish approximately 7 to 9 years old and likely reproductively mature. Before each tagged fish was safely released, DNA fin clips and small tissue samples were taken so that individual genetics and sex markers can later be correlated with their recorded movements. Today, the tags are actively recording valuable data and will continue until they “pop-up” to the ocean surface and upload their data to the nearest satellite for retrieval by the TAG team of scientists to review and analyze.

Why is this important? Eastern Atlantic bluefin tuna are categorized as Endangered by the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN), and Western Atlantic tuna are listed as Critically Endangered. Since 1970, the eastern bluefin population declined by 50% while the western Atlantic bluefin’s spawning biomass suffered a 90% reduction over the same time period. These declines dramatically impact both commercial and recreational fisheries. The data collected from tagged bluefin provides vital information about their population structure, migrations, and spawning sites and times all of which are vital for improving protections and sustainable management of the two stocks.

“At the Sea of Change Foundation, we support cutting-edge science as a powerful tool for effective conservation, and the work of the Tag-A-Giant team is an example of excellent science in action. We’re excited to see the tracks from our three tagged tunas and will share those on our social media, so stay tuned” said Samantha Whitcraft, Executive Director of the Foundation. Importantly, “through the Foundation, 100% of donations go directly to support such research projects that help ensure future generations will also experience the natural world and its wonders, like the magnificent bluefin tuna,” concluded Wayne Brown, CEO of Aggressor Adventures® and Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Foundation.

Aggressor Adventures Announces a Valentine’s Day Fundraiser for the Sea of Change Foundation

For Immediate Release. Augusta, Georgia. February 8, 2021:

In an on-going effort to support the conservation, science, and education of their official non-profit partner, the Sea of Change Foundation, this year Aggressor Adventures® is offering nature-lovers everywhere a unique gifting opportunity for their valentine.

With a one-time donation of only $25 to the Foundation, your valentine’s name (first name and last initial or nickname) will be included on the exclusive, beautiful “Oceans of Love” webpage to show the world that your love is not only for each other but also for our wide oceans, historic rivers, and spectacular wildlife. This gorgeous page including your valentine’s name will be shared across social media from Valentine’s Day, February 15 through February 17.

“We invite our friends and colleagues from the adventure travel communities to join us in making this Valentine’s Day one that celebrates love for all of our planet’s precious resources,” says Samantha Whitcraft, the Foundation’s Executive Director. “With the generous support of Aggressor Adventures, our goal is to raise $10,000 to support projects in our three main focus areas; Coral Reefs – Restoration & Resilience, Ocean Pollution – Public Awareness & Action, and Threatened Species & Habitats,” she added.

Thank you to those who contributed.

Suzanne B.
George W.

Majic W.
Elizabeth R.

Catherine M.
Janusz J.

Sea of Change Foundation and FORCE BLUE Join Forces for Safe & Sustainable Sun Protection

In 2018, in order to support both marine conservation and veteran communities, the Sea of Change Foundation initiated and funded a project with FORCE BLUE to utilize its Special Operations Veterans as part of an ocean-awareness, public service campaign.

The campaign supports the ongoing work of FORCE BLUE to create awareness in the community of military families, veterans, and their supporters that marine conservation is something they can engage in. FORCE BLUE works to inspire people already predisposed to service to become “force multipliers” and to take action in the fight to protect our oceans. And the Sea of Change Foundation also addresses issues such as ocean pollution, threatened species and habitats, and coral reef restoration & resilience. Given the overlap in their missions, the Sea of Change Foundation and FORCE BLUE joined forces to engage military communities and the general public to become empowered consumers with regard to environmentally safe sun protection, limiting plastic pollution, and choosing sustainable seafood.

The second of three FORCE BLUE public service announcements (PSAs) is released today focusing on responsible consumer choices regarding single-use plastics. The PSA features Dan Skidmore of Force Blue Team 2, a former USAF Combat Controller. In it he describes how to be an informed consumer about the chemicals found in many common sunscreen products that can be harmful to us and to our fragile coral reefs.

Additionally, at the end of the PSA is a “Join the fight…” button that directs viewers to a survey that will help the Foundation gauge the positive impact of the messaging.

Director of Conservation and Outreach for the Sea of Change Foundation, Samantha Whitcraft said, “Partnering with FORCE BLUE provides the perfect opportunity to empower the broader military community to make sustainable choices for themselves, their families, and our oceans. We’re thrilled to work with them to expand awareness about these important issues.” Wayne Brown, Chairman of the Board of the Sea of Change Foundation adds, “As a veteran, I’m pleased that our Foundation is partnering with FORCE BLUE to help support my fellow veterans in their fight to protect our oceans.”

Sea of Change Foundation and FORCE BLUE Join Forces for the Fight Against Plastic Pollution

The first of three FORCE BLUE public service announcements (PSAs) is released today focusing on responsible consumer choices regarding single-use plastics. The PSA features Jay Casello, of Force Blue Team 2, a former USAF Combat Rescue Officer. In it he describes how we can all make small changes to reduce plastic pollution that is harmful to our oceans.

Jay Casello speaking about how we can all make small changes to reduce plastic pollution.

Additionally, at the end of the PSA is a “Join the fight…” button that directs viewers to a survey that will help the Foundation gauge the positive impact of the messaging.

Sea of Change Foundation Expands Mission

Founded in 2015 by leaders in the scuba diving industry, the Sea of Change Foundation is expanding its core mission while maintaining focus on creating positive change. The Foundation will now fund terrestrial conservation in addition to marine conservation to include all of the natural world. Examples of current and pending projects funded by the Foundation that encompass the new mission include:

Innovations in reducing plastics-use at sea turtle nest monitoring sites, Mexico
Limiting negative interactions between subsistence farmers and elephants, Sri Lanka
Conservation of African manatees in Lake Ossa, Cameroon
Educating military communities and families about daily sustainable choices, USA

The three conservation focus areas of the Foundation will continue as: Ocean Pollution – Public Awareness & Action, Coral Reefs – Restoration & Resilience, and Threatened Species & Habitats, with the latter to now encompass terrestrial conservation. Recognizing the value of scuba divers and coastal communities to local marine conservation, the Foundation will continue its successful Reef Rescue and Rapid Response grants program; and will also continue to support annual marine science scholarships with the Women Divers Hall of Fame.

It is the hope of the Board of Directors of the Sea of Change Foundation that the new expanded mission will help support even more meaningful conservation with positive, measurable outcomes. “Our mission will now better align with the expanding ecotourism of Aggressor Adventures® and, as always, 100% of donations to the Foundation will support conservation,” concluded Wayne Brown, CEO of Aggressor Adventures and Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Foundation.

About the Sea of Change Foundation: The Sea of Change Foundation funds conservation and research initiatives that directly impact the natural world we all love to enjoy and explore. Our mission is to create positive change. Learn more about and donate to support the Sea of Change Foundation here: www.seaofchange.com.

Press Release: SEPTEMBER 4, 2018

Sea of Change Foundation Fundraiser and Gala at DEMA Show 2018

Augusta, Georgia. September 4, 2018: In an on-going effort to support marine conservation and education, leaders of the scuba diving community will unite in support of the Sea of Change Foundation at this year’s DEMA (Dive Equipment Manufacturers’ Association) in Las Vegas, Nevada.

The Sea of Change Foundation, along with our generous sponsors – Aggressor Adventures, SSI, Platinum Pro Foundation, and Mares – is hosting the second annual Coral Reefs Forever Gala beginning at 6:30 p.m., November 15, 2018 in Pavilions I & II of the Westgate Las Vegas Resort and Casino.

This “ocean casual” gala event will include complimentary beer and wine, delicious food, a live DJ, dancing, and both a silent and called auction. Outstanding achievements in diving will be recognized via the Platinum Pro Awards along with the Sea of Change Foundation’s annual Lifetime Explorer Award. We invite our friends and colleagues from the dive community, who will be attending DEMA, to join us for what promises to be great evening for a great cause – our oceans!

All funds raised will go directly to support the Sea of Change Foundation’s 2019 marine conservation projects and graduate scholarships. “With the Sea of Change Foundation, 100% of donations go directly to conservation initiatives around the world to ensure future generations of divers can also experience the sea and its wonders,” says founder Wayne Brown, CEO of Aggressor Adventures and Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Foundation. In 2019, the foundation will again provide financial and logistic support for projects that create direct and measurable positive change for our oceans; and our scholarship fund will support graduate students’ research that innovates for ocean conservation applications.

About the Sea of Change Foundation: The Sea of Change Foundation funds marine conservation and research initiatives that directly impact the oceans we all love to dive and explore. Our mission is to create positive change for the oceans.

Coral Reefs Forever Gala Invitation – DEMA 2018 DOWNLOAD PDF>

More News & Press

Funding Opportunities at the Sea of Change Foundation. SevenSeas Media: https://sevenseasmedia.org/funding-opportunities-sea-change-foundation/

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Costa Rica’s Sharks & Rays: Knowing Them to Protect Them. Scuba H20 Adventures Magazine. http://flippubs.net/publication/?i=504127&ver=html5#{%22issue_id%22:504127,%22page%22:60}

Sea of Change Foundation Launches Reef Rescue and Raid Response Grants. Underwater 360.Asia: https://www.uw360.asia/sea-of-change-foundation-launches-reef-rescue-and-rapid-response-grants/

Celebrating 75 Years of Discovery, Aqua Lung Supports Sea of Change Foundation. DiveNewsWire: https://www.divenewswire.com/celebrating-75-years-of-discovery-aqua-lung-supports-sea-of-change-foundation/

Sea of Change Foundation Fundraiser Gala at DEMA Show, 2017. DiveNewsWire. https://www.divenewswire.com/sea-change-foundation-fundraiser-gala-dema-show-2017/

Coral Nurseries Thrive in Grand Cayman Waters. Cayman Compass. https://www.caymancompass.com/2017/03/16/coral-nurseries-thrive-in-grand-cayman-waters/

Reef Rescue Grants. Ocean Geographic Explorers. http://underwaterartists.com/2015-10-28-19-18-38/conservation/162-reef-rescue-grants