Local conservation efforts got a $2,600 boost as shark enthusiasts gathered for a Shark Week fundraiser at the CayBrew taproom last week.
The event featured a special talk from Department of Environment shark project officer Johanna Kohler on conservation efforts and the partnership between DoE and the Cayman Islands Brewery.
Kohler, in a short emailed comment to the Cayman Compass on the event, said that the turnout was “amazing” as she thanked CayBrew for a fantastic event and everyone who came out to support the Shark Week fundraiser.
“The partnership between the DoE and the Cayman Islands Brewery dates back to 2008. Together with Marine Conservation International, the DoE and CayBrew created the White Tip beer and the funding programme to generate additional resources for local shark research. Since then, a portion of every bottle, can, and draught of White Tip sold goes directly to DoE’s shark research,” she said.
The DoE, she added, was grateful and proud of the long-standing partnership “because with the continued funding we can continue to study our local sharks and to provide outreach in our local community”.
She said there was a fun session of shark trivia and a raffle with prizes.
“Supporters were offered a special White Tip Radler. This was a real treat because CayBrew brewed this small-batch just for the event,” she added.
Mark Haring, CayBrew sales and marketing coordinator, told the Compass the event was a “resounding success”.
“We hosted divers and shark enthusiasts at our CayBrew taproom to learn more about these captivating creatures and raise funds for shark conservation efforts in Cayman. Dr. Johanna’s insightful shark talk highlighted the importance of donations in supporting the DoE team’s research,” he said.
Haring said “an impressive total of $2,659.80” was raised through the raffle and White Tip lager sales.
This, he said, demonstrates the community’s support for marine ecosystems and the magnificent sharks within them.
“We look forward to supporting this ongoing initiative and continue to donate a portion of every bottle, can, and draught beer sale of White Tip to shark research and conservation efforts in the Cayman Islands,” he added.
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