Please sponsor us to help raise essential funds

for ‘Operation Seahorse’

Over the August Bank Holiday weekend, Anna-Lisa Nagel and Elvir Hasedzic will be cycling over 80 miles to raise funds for the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust ‘Operation Seahorse’ campaign.

The Plan

The plan is to cycle from Rustington in West Sussex to Portsmouth in Hampshire, where we will catch the ferry to theIsle of Wight.  Saturday evening we will set up camp and then on Sunday we will be doing the Ryde and Bembridge coastal circular route on the island. On Monday we will catch the ferry back to Portsmouth and cycle back to Rustington. Phew! It might not sound much to some of the more ‘experienced’ cyclists however it will be rather exhausting for us.

Why are we doing this?

Because we want to protect Britain’s beautiful and diverse marine life which is being threatened from commercial fishing, gravel dredging and pollution. The funds that we raise will help towards the Hampshire and IOW Wildlife Trust ‘Operation Seahorse’ campaign.

What is ‘Operation Seahorse’?

The Hampshire and IOW Wildlife Trust launched the Operation Seahorse campaign in order to raise awareness about the importance of protecting our saes and its diverse marine life. Through the campaign they hope to raise essential funds that will help them undertake underwater biological surveying work to see what needs protecting and where.

Why do we need to protect our seas/ marine life ?

The ’s seas are extraordinarily rich in wildlife, home to more than 44,000 animal and plant species – around 50% of the UK's  biodiversity. However our seas are poorly protected compared to terrestrial habitats and are under increasing pressure as offshore activities proliferate and climate change alters marine ecosystems. Every level of marine life is under threat, from the charismatic bottlenose dolphin, harbour porpoise and basking shark, to the critically endangered leatherback turtle. Even cod, our most popular fish, is now commercially extinct in theNorth Sea.

Why should you sponsor us?

Because hopefully you actually care enough about this planet to take proactive action and spare a few pound to support organisations such as the Wildlife Trust who are doing a fantastic job at protecting our natural environment. Even if you live in a landlocked County at some point you will have visited the British coast or you may plan to one day. So imagine a sea with no diverse marine life, imagine a sea full of pollution – then think why you should spare a few pound to support such a worthwhile campaign as ‘Operation Seahorse’.

Donating through this site is simple, fast and totally secure. It is also the most efficient way to sponsor us: Hampshire and Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust will receive your money faster and, if you are a taxpayer, an extra 28% in tax will be added to your gift at no cost to you.

                       What will your donation pay for?

            You can also support the Wildlife Trusts campaign by:

1.      Buying a limited edition ‘Operation Seahorse’ T-Shirt, these are available to purchase for just £12 + p&p. Call 01489 774408 to purchase yours. Alternatively, you can buy one on eBay.

2.      Sign the Wildlife Trusts Marine Reserves Petition, calling for the Bill to introduce areas that are fully protected from all damaging activities.

3.      Email friends and family asking them to sign up too, or print out the paper version of the petition to collect further signatures.

4.      Join the Wildlife Trusts Save our Seas team – a free online campaign group.

5.   Write to your local MP and explain to them why you're supporting the campaign and what you want the Marine Bill to achieve for wildlife. Click here for some hints and tips.

6.   Are you a qualified scuba diver? Then why not join the ShoreSearch and SeaSearch marine survey volunteer programmes. Find out more and visit the Wildlife Trusts marine conservation page.

You can also help to protect our seas and marine life by:

• Using environmentally friendly detergents and avoid toxic chemicals in your home and garden, as such chemicals can get into our water system and affect marine wildlife.

• Using canvas bags instead of plastic. 150 million plastic bags are discarded each year and a percentage of these end up in our seas, turtles mistake these for jellyfish (their favourite food) and when digested the plastic bags can kill the turtles.  

• If you do include fish in your diet ensure that you buy seasonal and locally caught fish. For further details about sustainably sourced fish please go to  http://www.fishonline.org/

• Don’t buy ornaments or jewellery made from marine creatures.

• If you do want fish as pets, please make sure that any creatures you buy are bred in captivity as opposed to being taken from the ocean.  

Thank you for visiting our fundraising page,

we hope that you are able to sponsor us!

Anna-Lisa and Elvir