Epic Ocean-Inspired Murals Highlight The Dangers Facing Our Fragile Ecosystems

Mural by Franco Fasoli (JAZ), photo courtesy of Nate Peracciny. The image is meant to show the disparity between the 10 people that die annually due to shark bites, versus the 100 million sharks killed for their fins each year.

While a press release is effective, and a billboard gets attention, if you really want the public to care about your cause we recommend the mural as PSA. Recently, Pangeaseed, a global marine conservation organization, sponsored Sea Walls: murals for oceans. Held in Cozumel, Mexico, the event challenged artists to create 35 original artworks to heighten awareness of pressing marine environmental issues. This included everything from over fishing and shark finning, to climate change and and coral reef conservation.

Mural by Faith 47, photo courtesy of the Stills Agency.

In addition to mural-making, the artists also dove head-first into the rich world of Cozumel’s fragile marine ecosystems-- and learned tips and faqs from local environmentalist. Some events this lucky team bore witness to included endangered sea turtles laying their eggs and then releasing their hatchlings into the ocean.

Murals by Alexis Diaz, Cryptic, and Fintan Magee.

During the event, which spanned the month of July, Pangeaseed team members also organized educational activities for the the island’s kids. These were focused on the importance of learning about rare animals like sharks, turtles, and dolphins, and often involved arts and crafts projects utilizing reclaimed materials.

Mural by Hueman and Jeff Grass, photo courtesy of Tre Packard

An homage to marine biologist, explorer, author, and lecturer, Dr. Sylvia Earle.

Yves Cousteau mural by jason botkin, photo courtesy of tre packard.

Sea-waste themed mural by Bicicleta Sem Freio, photo courtesy of Tre Packard.

Mural by Aaron Glasser, photo courtesy of Tre Packard.

Mural by Naturel, photo courtesy of Tre Packard.

Mural by Phlegm, photo courtesy of the Stills Agency.

Mural by Tristan Eaton x The London Police, photo courtesy of the Stills Agency.

“The power of public art and activism has the ability to educate and inspire the global community to help save our seas,” says Pangeaseed executive director Tre Packard. “No matter where you are in the world, the ocean supplies us with every second breath we take and life on earth cannot exist without healthy oceans. With dwindling global fish stocks, rising sea levels, and widespread pollution, whether you live on the coast, in the city or in the mountains, we should all feel responsible for the health of the oceans and life that lives within it.”