The U.S. Coast Guard sets the standard for the world when it comes to activities at sea that are designed to protect endangered wildlife. This is what the crew of the cutter Stone told me when I was an artist in residence with them in November 2022. Personally, I never thought about who removes the ghost nets and debris that sea turtles find themselves tangled up in. Unfortunately, much of the time they are removing lifeless endangered species along with the debris.
At first, it may seem like a simple and noble job to remove the turtles and nets from the ocean. But think about it. Adult sea turtles weigh between 250 and over 400 pounds. The crews are working from small boats. In the ocean, the waves are rocking the boat, and the turtles and nets. If they fall overboard, the team then has to stop and perform a rescue. Really, the more you think about what these service men and women are doing, the more heroic their deeds become.
This painting is one of my entries for the U. S. Coast Guard 2023 government collection. I hope it is juried in!
The U.S. Coast Guard sets the standard for the world when it comes to activities at sea that are designed to protect endangered wildlife. This is what the crew of the cutter Stone told me when I was an artist in residence with them in November 2022. Personally, I never thought about who removes the ghost nets and debris that sea turtles find themselves tangled up in. Unfortunately, much of the time they are removing lifeless endangered species along with the debris.
At first, it may seem like a simple and noble job to remove the turtles and nets from the ocean. But think about it. Adult sea turtles weigh between 250 and over 400 pounds. The crews are working from small boats. In the ocean, the waves are rocking the boat, and the turtles and nets. If they fall overboard, the team then has to stop and perform a rescue. Really, the more you think about what these service men and women are doing, the more heroic their deeds become.
This painting is one of my entries for the U. S. Coast Guard 2023 government collection. I hope it is juried in!
FAV 15% in Bold Brush Jan 2023 Contest