Something to look forward to this fall. In the meantime the info about white
sharks is worth the read.
Calm seas,
Writer, naturalist, mentor
Catherine French
805.570.0432
We are given only so many days, make each one count.
Begin forwarded message:
From: Heather Behrens <hbehrens@xxxxxxxxxx>
Date: May 26, 2020 at 1:22:58 PM PDT
To: undisclosed-recipients:;
Subject: Fragile Waters Exhibit at the Maritime
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Heather Behrens
(805) 984-6260 ext 30
hbehrens@xxxxxxxxxx
Fragile Waters: Predator or Prey?
Oxnard, CA – The Channel Islands Maritime Museum presents Fragile Waters:
Predator or Prey? September 10-Decmber 21, 2020, an exhibit of photographs
and original art featuring Great White Sharks. These much feared but little
understood creatures are predators throughout the world’s oceans, keeping the
populations of other animals in check. Conservation exhibits like this one
help us understand the ecology of the species.
The great white shark has captured the imagination of people around the
world. It’s the Earth's largest predatory fish and has thrived for more than
11 million years with immediate ancestors dating back more than 60 million
years! Although this animal is shrouded in myth, the facts about this finned
friend are even more fascinating. We know now that sharks help support a
healthy ocean and large sharks are predators that keep populations of other
animals in check. Yet human activities are threatening shark populations and
putting the health of the entire ecosystem at risk.
Marine conservation exhibits like this highlight Great Whites and celebrate
why sharks are vitally important to our oceans. Sharks are apex predators
throughout our oceans and predator-prey interactions are of central
importance in ecology, with important implications for population dynamics,
management, and conservation. Sharks are top predators in many marine
communities, yet few studies have quantified or determined those factors
influencing their distribution and hunting behavior. However, studies of
large shark foraging behavior are important for understanding the ecology of
these species and are particularly important in light of steep declines in
their populations and the recent realization that they have important
structuring roles in marine communities.
The great white shark is the only known survivor of the prehistoric genus
Carcharodon and one of the world’s apex predators. It is generally accepted
that they grow to be 22 to 23 feet long, give birth to live young, and are
found predominantly in temperate and tropical seas. Most active during the
daytime, their preferred prey are marine mammals (seals, sea lions, elephant
seals, dolphins and fish including other sharks and rays); however, they are
highly adaptable and can shift their diet and habitats as needed. Although
most people are aware of “Great Whites,” relatively little is actually known
about them because of their scarcity and reclusive behavior. As a result,
their total population is unknown and even local estimates are questionable;
but they are being caught by fisherman in increasing numbers so there may be
cause for concern for the species.
Opening reception on Saturday, September 26, 2020, 4:00-6:00 PM. Come meet
the artists. Admission rates are free for members and children under 6, $7
adults, $5 seniors (62+)/military and their families/students with valid ID,
and $3 children (ages 6-17).
Photographer Ralph Clevenger: Working underwater and in submerged cages,
Ralph Clevenger was able to take the dramatic images presented in the Fragile
Waters: Predator or Prey exhibit and provide viewers with an up-close view of
these magnificent creatures. In Clevenger’s words, his photography better
“allows us to understand them and helps to demystify their reputation as
‘ferocious man-eaters.’” Clevenger grew up on the coast of North Africa and
has been diving since he was seven years old. He holds BA degrees in zoology
and photography and worked as a diver/biologist for the Scripps Institute
before becoming a senior faculty member at Brooks Institute. Clevenger has
taught for 33 years and traveled throughout the world on photography
assignments and for publication. Now based in Santa Barbara, he “pursues his
passion for the natural world by specializing in location photography and
video projects of eco-travel, environmental portraiture, wildlife and
undersea subjects.”
Artist Kathy S. Copsey has been a self-taught, freelance artist her entire
life with a serious dedication on her art for over 33 years, she has won
numerous awards for her artwork, and she has had her artwork spread as far
away as two different Kung Fu schools in China and her books as far away as
Australia. While she focuses on pencil drawings, freehand digital drawings,
and acrylic & oil paintings, she also enjoys working with other mediums as
well including writing, music composition, photography, & videography. She
works with numerous subject matters, but her main specialty is conveying the
essence and nature of the Soul and spirit with a primary focus on animals.
About the Channel Islands Maritime Museum
Nestled on the coast of Southern California, in Ventura County, supported by
a vibrant community of art aficionados, a steady, year-round influx of art
seekers from the area, and tourists from around the world, Channel Islands
Maritime Museum is perfectly poised to bring vibrant and innovative art to
the forefront of the local art scene. Discover the Maritime Museum as a
volunteer. Located by Oxnard's beautiful harbor on California's Gold Coast,
3900 Bluefin Circle, Oxnard, CA 93035. Operating hours are Mon/Th-Sat 10-4pm,
Sun 12-4pm and closed Tues/ Wed for group tours and private member events.
Admission rates are free for members and children under 6, $7 adults, $5
seniors (62+)/military and their families/students with valid ID, and $3
children (ages 6-17). The museum is free on the third Thursday of every
month, sponsored by Edison International. (Unfortunately, we cannot accept
school or other large groups on Free Third Thursday’s). Info: cimmvc.org or
(805) 984-6260. Explore galleries full of rare and beautiful maritime
paintings dating back to the 1600’s, more than seventy world-class models of
historic ships, rotating thematic fine arts exhibitions, and interactive
exhibits that encourage visitors to expand their horizons about everything
maritime.
###
Heather Behrens
Collections Manager/Curator
Channel Islands Maritime Museum
3900 Bluefin Circle
Oxnard, CA 93035
805.984.6260
www.cimmvc.org
