Experience the Underwater World with Scubashooters
December 28, 2016
We are proud to partner with Scubashooters!
By: Marino Palla, Scubashooters
Underwater photographers are passionate lovers of the sea. They have the power to capture moments and in the process create change. This in turn gives them the ability to raise awareness, showcase the beauty, document the health and well-being of our ocean environment. Many have the skill, desire and talent to capture creative, inspiring and thought-provoking imagery. Many will go to great lengths, travel to remote locations and spend a great deal of their time and income pursuing their passion.Our seas are in big danger and the survival of many marine species are in jeopardy. Much of this can be attributed to unsustainable fishing practices. Years ago many countries had fish free diets. If you wanted seafood you had to go to the seaside. Things have changed a lot over the last decade. Nowadays, for the most part, seafood and fish are readily available and accessible all around the globe.
Scubashooters is the first comprehensive network available for underwater photographers. We created a website where users can search for any photo, photographer or location within seconds. Included are classification systems based on votes, views and ratings. This makes it possible to ask a specific question about a particular image or provide feedback to the photographer. There is also a forum where you can discuss topics related to underwater photography and diving. This can potentially be a very valuable asset for compiling data and information for research. We already have more than 26,759 images and 367 videos uploaded into our data bank from photographers around the world!
Check out the video below from Scubashooters photographer, Nick Hope!
Mission Blue uses a powerful tool, imagery and video to raise awareness to the Hope Spots crusade. The Mission Blue organization ignites and inspires individuals to become involved. Encouraging them to use their unique talents and help make a difference. Dr. Earle’s ideas, mission and unprecedented love for the Ocean, is awe inspiring and motivating. It’s through her mission and dedication that the Scubashooter network is launching a new project, “Scubashooters Blueline”. Our plan of action is to add existing and future “Hope Spots” locations on the website. When a image or video is uploaded to the website, authors will be encouraged to tag Hope Spots where applicable. The information will be recorded in our databank and shared with Mission Blue.
Gathering images, video and data from around the world and tagging them with Hope Spots locations will give us further ability to monitor the health of the ocean. It’s our mission to inspire everyone, especially those who do not live near the sea or have been in it. We will strive to help deepen their love and respect for the ocean. The network has the potential to become a “silent” monitor of the ocean’s health. Through its presence in all the seas of the world, community members could become another set of “eyes” to organizations such as Mission Blue and others. By collaborating we could monitor specific areas and Hope Spots around the world. We have strength in numbers.Nonetheless, the beauty of the underwater world is undeniable. Imagery is a very powerful attention grabber and communicator. Our photographs speak volumes and inspire even those who never have been underwater. We have the ability to showcase the beauty and wonders of the sea. Making people aware of how fragile our ocean environment is and how important it is to protect. Together we will be a stronger, unified and able to spark people’s awareness in hopes they will actively start protecting the Ocean.
Thank you Dr. Sylvia Earle and Mission Blue for your partnership!
