Today, 1st January, 2018, is the launch day of Pinniped, and the first day of a new initiative. This is not so much of a New Year’s resolution as a New Life resolution, one which will thrive and not fade as we continue through January. Pinniped is for living in a mindful way on our blue planet. It is for understanding the large fauna that inhabit the oceans, with whom we share so much in common with, and to provide exciting education for the next generation on the wonders of the ocean. Pinniped is information and new research, made available to everyone, and the choice to make small changes for big differences. It is a way of cherishing and living in harmony with our incredible natural world. So here’s how we got here.
There’s a problem with science, and that’s a tendency towards elitism. What’s the point in finding out amazing new information if it’s not shared with everyone? If many people are working for the greater good of our species and the planet, why are we repeating our efforts in different places? Scientific research is often not accessible to everyone, but it should be, if something we do every day could be done better for the health of ourselves, other animals, or the planet in general.
There is no money for the environment. But why, when it is the very thing that supports all life? Money for research into wildlife is scarce, whereas for sport and entertainment it is never-ending. Why is conservation not deemed important enough? We all know by now that the ocean is in trouble, yet for young people wanting to help do something there is no support. Is anyone else tired of seeing thousands of unpaid vacancies and internships offering absolutely nothing to qualified and talented conservationists?
And then there’s the ignorance surrounding marine conservation. Of course to those interested in nature we talk about it and hear about it all the time, and it seems so obvious! But we mustn’t forget that for the everyday person, it may not even register on their radar (although it seems hard to believe). As we know, people will only care about what they love, and they will only love what they know about. So from an early age, everyone should be immersed in these important issues. And the newest research should be accessible to all.
And this is where Pinniped begins. The organisation is a new social enterprise, working to:
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Be an information source, heavily focused on pinnipeds, but extending to all marine megafauna and crucial marine conservation issues
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Raise and identify funds for important research on large, high trophic level, marine fauna. This research will focus on the cumulative effects of marine issues arising from human pollution, disturbance and development
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Provide immersive education for children and young people, to inspire and inform
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Give people real solutions to help the ocean and environment, with sustainable choices to allow mindful living, in harmony with nature
