Tag: extinction

SEWE 2023

by theconservationkid

Over the weekend, I had the great honor of not only attending SEWE (Southeastern Wildlife Exposition) but, introducing one of my heroes in wildlife conservation, Forrest Galante!

Being invited to such an event is inspiring on its own, but being able to meet and introduce a hero of mine and a person who has devoted his life to conservation is such an experience.

Weekends like this, when people want to hear what I have to say and know my voice matters, keeps me motivated to keep making changes and improving the world around me.

Shark kill tournament

by theconservationkid

After my last post, several people asked for more information. He is a little more about what I have learned. Not only are adults seeking out and killing as many sharks as possible but I have also learned someone is sponsoring kids and offering a cash prize for children!

Why are children being encouraged and taught this is ok? When in reality it’s a travesty.

https://www.wpbf.com/article/shark-fishing-tournament-catching-heat-florida/40478087

Shark Tournament

by theconservationkid

I’m a few weeks on July 9th, if nothing is done, there will be a trophy tournament in Jupiter, Florida for sharks.

Over 250 species of shark are labeled as endangered, critically endangered, vulnerable or data deficient. That means we don’t know enough about them to say whether or not they are at risk of extinction yet.

This is so disheartening to know that some of these species will be killed for sport. They will be slaughtered, and while on the brink of extinction, it’s legal. How does this make sense? It doesn’t.

Please hope by signing this petition to get this senseless killing stopped. Fishing for food is not a terrible thing but this is sport. This is completely unnecessary and sickening. Our planet depends on species like sharks to maintain a healthy ecosystem.

https://www.change.org/p/help-cancel-shark-killing-tournament-in-jupiter-florida

World Oceans Day

by theconservationkid

Today, June 8th, is World Oceans Day. This is a day set aside to celebrate our ocean and it’s amazing biodiverse ecosystems. Oceans provide about 70% of the planets oxygen. Our blue planet needs help now more than ever. We just protect our oceans, land, and rivers. Without it, lire on land will cease to exist. Diving and being in the water, is my happy place. I was scuba certified when I was 10. I couldn’t wait to explore below the waves and see the animals I love in their natural habitat.

Kid of the Year

by theconservationkid

Although I didn’t win overall “Kid of the Year”, I feel extremely honored to have even made top 5 with so many amazing kids. There were thousands nominated and to be in the top for those kids, all trying to change the world in their one way and doing amazing things, was humbling.

I have never tried to gain attention for myself but just try to bring attention to our planet and what we need to do collectively to make a difference and heal our blue planet we call home. Everyone can make a difference, you have to decide if it’s good or bad.

Thank you to Time Magazine and Nickelodeon for considering me for such an award. Words can never express how grateful I am that the great state of Tennessee and the Tennessee River were brought nationwide attention that it so desperately needs.

Yearly wrap up

by theconservationkid

This year has been busy but so fun! I’ve been scuba diving several times with my best friends! (Does it really get any better than that?!)

I have removed about 4,000 more pounds of trash bringing the total to 14,000! I hit the 1 ton mark in aluminum recycling! Ella & I won a few awards but best of all…. we were able to be together and meet Sylvia Earle!!!!

Stay tuned for next year….. it’s going to start off with a bang.

Sammie Smiles Podcast

by theconservationkid

I did my first podcast interview and it happens to be with my friend and fellow Prudential spirit of community award winner. Go check it out and let m know what you think!

YouTube: https://youtu.be/AdQOySpgonQ

Apple podcast

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/sammie-smiles/id1536338801?i=1000527870083

 

Spotify

https://open.spotify.com/episode/1FLq6bNiINA6982pEIdjQY?si=Vwiw5gqMTSqyRS5mnShZEA&dl_branch=1

President’s Volunteer Service Award.

by theconservationkid

I was shocked and surprised to be a recipient of this prestigious award. Volunteering, cleaning our planet of pollution is what makes me feel accomplished and I don’t do it for the awards or accolades but this one will be framed and I am proud of it. Just remember, anyone can make a difference!

Mananalu Water!

by theconservationkid

This article is from Mananula which is owned by Jason Mamoa who played Aquaman and is such an amazing strong voice for saving our oceans. It’s such an honor to be highlighted by such an amazing company!

https://www.mananalu.com/blogs/news/how-one-11-year-old-is-cleaning-up-our-oceans-from-tennessee

Prudential Spirit of Community Awards!

by theconservationkid

I was named as a state honoree for the state of Tennessee. Each state had 1 honoree for high school level and 1 for middle school level from each state. After a long weekend of zoom calls and meeting other state honorees, they named 10 national honorees. There were some amazing youth doing wonderful things and I was happy to be among those 100 kids recognized but my weekend got even more amazing when I was named one the top 10!!!!

Check out the link below! This is such an amazing honor and I am more than thrilled but humbled to represent Tennessee in the best way!

https://spirit.prudential.com/honoree/2021/cash-daniels