For over three decades, Guy Harvey has been raising awareness for marine conservation efforts, especially when it comes to sharks, through his artwork and community outreach.
The renowned artist and conservationist said that it was time to go beyond awareness and take the next step in the conservation process.
“Now it’s time to spread the knowledge that you learned by becoming aware,” Harvey said. “So share your information with your family and friends and then you can take some action and go and do something about it, whether you support a research organization or helps some local groups that work on sharks.”
Harvey was the guest of honor for the eponymous Guy Harvey Weekend at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay, where he held a meet and greet with fans and fellow shark aficionados and interacted with aspiring artists during a painting class. The annual event is part of an ongoing partnership between Harvey and SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment, the parent company of Busch Gardens Tampa. The partnership seeks to raise awareness of “on ocean health and the plight of sharks in the wild,” and collaborate on science and research to increase understanding of how to better protect these critical predators and their habitats.
Along with interacting with park goers, Harvey recently created a giant mako shark mural as part of the launch for Sea World’s Mako rollercoaster. Exclusive paintings and apparel are also available only at SeaWorld parks with a portion of the proceeds going directly to the Guy Harvey Ocean Foundation.
About Guy Harvey
Guy Harvey is a unique blend of artist, scientist, diver, angler, conservationist and explorer, fiercely devoted to his family and his love of the sea. His childhood passion for the ocean and its living creatures not only inspired him to draw, but fueled a burning interest that prompted a formal education in marine science. Having graduated with honors in Marine Biology from Aberdeen University in Scotland in 1977, Guy returned home to Jamaica to resume his education, earning his Ph.D. from the University of the West Indies in 1984.
Though he gave up a budding career as a marine biologist for that of a highly acclaimed artist, Guy has continued his relentless pursuit to unravel the mysteries of the sea, traveling the world to better understand the habits and habitats of the marine wildlife he paints.
For more information, please visit www.guyharvey.com.
About the Guy Harvey Ocean Foundation
The Guy Harvey Ocean Foundation is an organization of philanthropists, conservationists, scientists and educators that emphasize sensible strategies for promoting ocean conservation and the development of the next generation of marine scientists. The foundation funds scientific research and educational programs developed by universities, colleges, institutes and nonprofit organizations.
About the Guy Harvey Research Institute
The GHRI is a scientific research organization based in Fort Lauderdale, Fla. at the Halmos College of Natural Sciences and Oceanography of Nova Southeastern University, minutes from coral reefs and popular fishing grounds. GHRI was established in 1999 as a collaboration between the renowned marine artist Dr. Guy Harvey and NSU’s Halmos College of Natural Sciences and Oceanography to assume a leadership role in providing the scientific information necessary to understand and save the world’s fish resources and biodiversity from drastic, ongoing declines.
GHRI is one of only a handful of private organizations dedicated exclusively to expanding the scientific knowledge base needed for effective conservation of fish populations and maintenance of fish biodiversity.