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/

Sea of Change Foundation Funds Humpback Whale Research. DiveNewsWire: https://www.divenewswire.com/sea-of-change-foundation-funds-humpback-whale-research/

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