On Thursday the 2nd of November, the International SeaKeepers Society hosts its annual Founders Event to honour the vessels and the crews that participated in the 2016-2017 Discovery Program, which includes scientist-led expeditions, instrument deployments and educational outreach programs.
FLIBS Founders 2017 Banner
The not-for-profit organisation will hold the event at a private waterfront residence during the Fort Lauderdale International Boast Show (FLIBS) to discuss and celebrate the work of yachts ADVISORS ALLIANCE, ASEAN LADY, EXUMA, HARLE LADY, OLIVIA, LOJO, LUZERNE, PARAFFIN, SAM, SHREDDER, THE ADMIRAL, TIMELY SALE and WORLD ODYSSEY.
SeaKeepers scientific expeditions allow yacht owners, guests and crew the chance to engage in ongoing research with respected and renowned marine scientists. Eight of the expeditions involved citizens as well as scientists in volunteer projects to support environmental initiatives.
Among the research missions conducted across the 2016-2017 period, nine were scientist-led expeditions, six were educational outreach missions and four were instrument deployment missions, totalling 19 missions in a single year as well as deploying 103 oceanographic instruments.
In April, two SeaKeepers vessels assisted scientists from the University of Florida’s Whitney Laboratory for Marine Bioscience, conducting genome sequencing on marine plankton. In July, three ‘floating classroom’ experiences were conducted in Singapore through SeaKeepers Asia, offering students the unique opportunity to collect samples out in the field, work with microscopes and learn about Scuba diving.
During the event, there will be a silent auction featuring the work of Seakeepers 2017 Artist of the Year Xavier Cortada.
