Zegrahm Makes a Difference
At Zegrahm we share your passion for exploring the far-flung wild places of our planet. Exploration and conservation are inextricably linked, of course, so we also share your commitment to preserving the world's ever-fragile biospheres. To this end, we operate our programs with great concern for the environment and support ongoing research and conservation programs. Often, during expeditions, our passengers contribute in various ways to these same ends. Following are examples of passenger, leader, and Zegrahm contributions:
Peter Harrison Appears at Special Albatross Event in London
On 27 April 2005, Zegrahm cofounder Peter Harrison spoke at a dinner and auction held in London and sponsored by BirdLife International. The dinner's purpose was to raise funds for BirdLife's Operation Ocean Task Force, a campaign dedicated to reversing the declines in albatross populations. Others in attendance included Dame Ellen MacArthur, who recently sailed solo around the world in record-breaking time, and Prince Charles, a longtime supporter of albatross preservation. Following the dinner and speeches, guests bid on artwork by Peter and other artists. In total, the evening raised roughly $135,000 for Operation Task Force. For more information on Operation Ocean Task Force, visit BirdLife's Web site at www.birdlife.org.
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Jack S. Grove Announces New Article
"Zegrahm cofounder Jack S. Grove is the second of three authors of an article entitled "Tropical Transpacific Shorefishes" published in the October 2004 issue of Pacific Science 58(4):507-565. Dr. Ross Robertson of the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute is the senior author, and Dr. John McCosker of the California Academy of Sciences is the third. Their work describes the early life history of 126 shorefishes found on either side of the world's largest ocean basin, and helps explain why some, but not all, tropical species have made the transit. Although Pacific Science is a scientific journal, the findings this article reveals will be useful to passengers interested in fishes and fishwatching. Jack also incorporates data gathered while researching the article into lectures and snorkeling excursions on Zegrahm voyages in tropical Pacific waters."
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Artwork and Donations Help Albatross
Since 1992 passengers on our Antarctica, South Georgia, and the Falkland Islands voyages have supported Birdlife International's Save the Albatross campaign and Falklands Conservation through the purchase of original artwork by Zegrahm cofounder Peter Harrison. Every day during an expedition, Peter paints a watercolor depicting Antarctic wildlife and scenery, which he offers for sale. In addition, he also creates a chart showing the route, illustrated with seabirds and other animals of the region. On the last night aboard ship, this chart goes to the highest bidder in spirited auction. On our January 2004 departure, passengers raised more than $37,000, bringing our amount donated during our past Antarctica season to more than $210,000.
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Preserving the World's Natural and Cultural Heritage
At Zegrahm we support the efforts of a variety of organizations that are working to preserve the earth's wildernesses or educate the public about indigenous cultures and the history of exploration. The following is a list of groups we work with, along with brief summaries of their missions and information on how to get in touch with them.
Antarctican Society
The Antarctican Society’s members meet to share information and opinions on Antarctica. The society also publishes a newsletter several times a year. Membership is open to anyone with an interest in Antarctica. For more information, write the Antarctican Society at 7338 Wayfarer Drive, Fairfax Station, VA 22039, USA.
International Galápagos Tour Operators Association
The International Galápagos Tour Operators Association (IGTOA) seeks to preserve the ecosystem of the Galápagos Islands. Among other activities, IGTOA supports low-impact travel, raises funds for conservation groups, and helps protect the archipelago’s marine reserve.
International Association of Antarctica Tour Operators
Zegrahm is a founding member of the International Association of Antarctica Tour Operators, an organization dedicated to protecting Antarctica’s environment and ensuring travelers’ safety.
American Museum of Asmat Art
The American Museum of Asmat Art owns one of largest art collections in the U.S., which it displays in a series of rotating exhibitions; offers educational programs to schools and the public; and conducts ongoing research.
South Georgia Association
Founded in 2001, the South Georgia Association fosters international interest in South Georgia, and works to further the study and conserve the nature and culture of the sub-Antarctic island.
Center for Alaskan Coastal Studies
Based in Homer, Alaska, the Center for Alaskan Coastal Studies promotes a greater knowledge of Kachemak Bay’s coastal and marine environment through a variety of activities including guided nature walks, school programs, and research.
The James Caird Society
Named for the 22-foot boat Sir Ernest Shackleton and five other men used to cross the 800 miles of ocean between Elephant Island and South Georgia, the James Caird Society strives to honor Shackelton’s memory and commemorate his achievements.
Polar Bears International
Polar Bears International seeks to preserve the world’s largest land carnivore. Current projects include funding a study aimed at improving living conditions for polar bears in zoos and underwriting research on Wrangel Island.
Lemur Conservation Foundation
The Lemur Conservation Foundation dedicates itself to the preservation and conservation of lemurs through captive breeding, nonharmful scientific research, education, and reintroduction of lemurs to the wild.
Wilderness Trust
In concert with sister organizations in South Africa, the U.S. Europe, and Asia, the U.K.-based Wilderness Trust works to preserve the remaining wilderness areas of the world from development and other threats.
Wings Trust: The Mytinger Project
Wings Trust’s mission is to research, promote, and celebrate the contributions of extraordinary women around the world, across centuries, encompassing a wide range of endeavors. In 1926 Caroline Mytinger traveled to the South Pacific to paint the indigenous peoples of the Solomon Islands and Papua New Guinea. In 2005 an expedition will retrace her path and document the contemporary lives of the islanders.
South Georgia Museum
Housed in the former home of a whaling station manager, the South Georgia Museum has exhibits and videos on the natural and human history of the island, including exploration, whaling, and maritime history.
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