Critically Rare

1/1 edition NFT with 100% profit going to research and conservation of the oceanic white tip shark in French Polynesia. The collector of this piece directly contributes one Wildlife Computer satellite tag, one year of CLS satellite access fees, and deployment costs through the matched reserve price. Collector benefits: honor of naming the tagged shark certificate of adoption behind the scenes deployment footage tracking updates on the shark (up to one year) The preservation of the oceanic white tip shark, referred to as the 'parata' in Tahitian, is not only important for the ecosystem but also for preservation of Tahitian culture. The parata are a powerful 'taura' (ancestral connection guardian animal) as well as a deeply rooted part of legend. This name is in relation to the fierce warriors from Anaa atoll in the Tuamotu islands, known for their ferocity and embodiment of the parata shark. Even Jacques Cousteau referred to this shark as “the most dangerous fish in the sea”. This piece, “Critically Rare”, is a moment spent face to face with this infamous species in the Tahitian open ocean. With hooks in each corner of the jaw, this was not the shark's first encounter with a human. Accompanied by a pilot fish, the shark instantly directly approached me head on. Important to note: this is NOT a baited encounter. Observation of this rare, open ocean roaming species is by pure chance while in search of humpback whales. This image is my best capture from six years and thousands of hours on the water as an expedition leader. Understanding how these rare sharks utilize French Polynesian waters to promote positive human-shark coexistence is the primary goal of Project Parata. In order to do that, satellite tags will be deployed to track shark movement. The satellite tag allows for real-time tracking of the shark's location for up to one year. This data provides insight on any migratory routes, critical "hotspots", and residency rates exhibited by the species. This is the first study of its kind in this region, providing groundbreaking insight to the critically endangered oceanic white tip that can help increase conservation efforts. I want collectors to feel they are not only gaining beautiful art, but making a difference by doing so. Which is why I have included the additional collector bonuses for this piece! A way to make a difference and directly get involved in the project they support. *Due to the ever changing value of ETH, this piece has been priced to account for fluctuation. Any excess profit acquired after covering the costs of one Wildlife Computers satellite tag ($1700), one year of CLS satellite access fees ($1,020), and deployment fuel/logistics costs ($250) will go directly to Mao Mana Foundation's "Project Parata" efforts focused on community outreach (shark education and conservation presentations in local schools), responsible ecotourism initiatives (preventative safety, trauma response, and sustainable shark interaction training for whale tour operators), shark protection enforcement (monitoring of sanctuary environmental code), and fishermen-led science programs (photo-identification database for population surveying). www.maomanafoundation.com Kori Burkhardt is an underwater photographer, expedition leader, & shark biologist based in French Polynesia. Capturing the ocean's apex predator by completely immersing with them, her goal is to show sharks in a beautiful, yet still powerful, perspective. As co-founder of conservation and research organization Mao Mana Foundation, her mission commits to protecting sharks.