Event Combines Fishing, Conservation, Research & Marine Science Scholarships FORT LAUDERDALE-DAVIE, Fla. – What do you get when you combine world-class fishing, Nova Southeastern University (NSU) …
Today is the official "First Day of Summer"!
20 Jun 20124:56 PM
Today is the official “First Day of Summer”!! Nothing epitomizes a dream summer vacation more than this photo of the beautiful Green Turtle Club Resort & Marina, the very first Guy Harvey Outpost Expedition Property. Call GHO Reservations today to book your GTC adventure – 800.513.5257!
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![](mailto:?subject=Nova Southeastern University & Guy Harvey Outpost Resorts Present Blazing Mako Tournament & Festival&body=<img class=" size-medium wp-image-3028 alignleft" src="https://guyharveyoutpostblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/blazmako.jpg?w=202" alt="BlazMako" width="202" height="300" />
Event Combines Fishing, Conservation, Research & Marine Science Scholarships
FORT LAUDERDALE-DAVIE, Fla. – What do you get when you combine world-class fishing, <a href="http://www.nova.edu">Nova Southeastern University</a> (NSU) and world-renowned conservationist and artist Guy Harvey? A one-of-a-kind marine conservation festival and tournament in the Florida Keys!
NSU is proud to be part of the Blazing Mako Tournament & Festival, to be held in the sportfishing capital of the world – Islamorada – in the Florida Keys. The three-day event is scheduled for June 16-19 2016, with management provided by <a href="http://www.guyharveyoutpost.com">Guy Harvey Outpost Resorts</a>. Formerly named the Fort Lauderdale Billfish Tournament, the event has been moved to the historic Islander Resort for 2016, a Guy Harvey Outpost destination in Islamorada.
The event will include a premier, not-for-profit fishing tournament; innovative art exhibits featuring recycled materials, conservation organization displays and local vendors, all showcased in a 100 tent “Conchservation Village; cyber on-the-water release documentation for research using the IGHOfish App; and watersport demonstrations and competitions.
While there will be a fishing tournament as part of the event, like other Guy Harvey Outpost Bonfire series events, there is much more to the Blazing Mako Tournament & Festival. Community engagement is at the heart of the weekend’s activities. The event will also aid in raising funds for marine sciences scholarships at the <a href="http://cnso.nova.edu/index.html">NSU’ Halmos College of Natural Sciences and Oceanography</a>, which is home to the <a href="http://www.nova.edu/ghoc/">Guy Harvey Oceanographic Center</a>.
“Once again NSU and Guy Harvey are teaming up to help today’s students become tomorrow’s marine researchers and scientists,” said Richard Dodge, Ph.D., Dean of NSU’s Halmos College of Natural Sciences and Oceanography. “We have a long-standing relationship with Dr. Harvey, and I am continually amazed at how much he wants to help students follow their dreams. This tournament promises to be fun, while at the same time continuing to add to Dr. Harvey’s legacy at NSU.”
The Blazing Mako Tournament & Festival, managed by Guy Harvey Outpost Resorts, has targeted a fundraising goal of $100,000. NSU's <a href="http://cnso.nova.edu/index.html">Halmos College of Natural Sciences and Oceanography</a>, home to the <a href="http://cnso.nova.edu/ghri/index.html">Guy Harvey Research Institute</a> (GHRI), the Center of Excellence in Coral Reef Ecosystem Research and the <a href="http://cnso.nova.edu/save-our-seas/index.html">Save Our Seas Shark Centre</a>, will administer scholarship funds donated through the Guy Harvey Ocean Foundation (GHOF).
“This will be an event as much as a fishing tournament,” said Mark Ellert, president of Fort Lauderdale-based Guy Harvey Outpost Resorts. “Like our other Bonfire series tournaments in the Bahamas, community engagement is a key and we have planned quite a weekend of activities that will stage an innovative ‘Conchservation’ Village to highlight ‘trash-to-treasure’ art exhibits and conservation efforts in the Florida Keys, live music, a trivia event and beach and wastersport competitions, a Rum Village and Kids Pier Fishing Tournament, fishing seminars and our traditional burning sculpture bonfire—this time a 15’ mako shark design beachside at the Islander Resort.”
The bonfire sculptures themselves have a conservation theme given that they are created out of recycled metal by various local artists. Each sculpture is designed with a specific fish species unique to each destination. Well known Islamorada artist Pasta Pantaleo will design the Blazing Mako sculpture for the tournament and festival. Pantaleo, recognized around the world as a gamefish artist, operates a popular gallery, Pasta Pantaleo’s Signature Gallery, at mile marker 81.5.
The Blazing Mako tournament, named for NSU’s mascot — the mako shark — will encompass an inshore and offshore division. Corporate team registration (offshore) for the non-profit tournament is $5,000 per team (six anglers). Inshore registration is also available for $2,500 (three anglers). Larger boats (26’ and up) will be accommodated by the Post Card Inn Marina and smaller (25’ or less) by the Islander Bayside Townhomes. Internationally renowned sculptor Kent Ullberg, who designed the mako sculpture at the NSU main campus, has been commissioned to create a similarly designed perpetual trophy for the tournament.
Ellert said more than 100 vendor tents will be onsite along with fishing seminars provided by professional and local guides, and free downloads of the iGHOFish app powered by iAngler that will allow anglers to log their catches, which can be used a valuable information for fisheries management. In the case of the Blazing Mako tournament, the IGHOFish app will be used in documenting inshore and billfish catches along with photos and measurement before releasing the catches.
For more information on the Blazing Mako Tournament & Festival please visit <a href="http://www.blazingmako.com">www.blazingmako.com</a> https://guyharveyoutpostblog.com/nova-southeastern-university-guy-harvey-outpost-resorts-present-blazing-mako-tournament-festival/){kind=link}
 is the newest member of <a href="http://www.guyharveyoutpost.com/">Guy Harvey Outpost Resorts & Lodges' </a>Expedition Collection. The Ms B Haven, mother-ship & fleet are based in Panama City, Panama and available for charter in both the Caribbean and Pacific. “Panama is an adventure travel paradise and a destination without equal for world class sportfishing and island hopping," commented Guy Harvey Outpost President, Mark Ellert announcing the new partnership. “Instead of settling for a single location, this Outpost offers the best of all worlds - a fleet of rooms that can move around this amazing country. Whether it’s offshore big-game fishing in the Pacific, backcountry fishing along the Caribbean coast, exploring the Canal Zone, or discovering the remote and beautiful Pearl and San Blas Islands, there’s literally something of interest for everyone and PYFC Outpost can take you there.”
<a href="https://guyharveyoutpostblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/98-tri-deck-motor-yacht.jpg"><img class="wp-image-2526 size-large" src="https://guyharveyoutpostblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/98-tri-deck-motor-yacht.jpg?w=550" alt="Ms B Haven" width="550" height="367" /></a>Ms B Haven, fish in luxury by day and lounge in your private fishing lodge by night.
Fishing from a mother-ship allows you the freedom to fish legendary places like Pinas Bay and Hanibal Bank or explore the idyllic San Blas archipelago. The PYFC Outpost fleet includes a 98’ tri-deck motor yacht, two sportfishing boats – a 66’ Buddy Davis and 37’ Strike – and a flats skiff. The mother-ship carries a complement of water-toys, jet skis and a complete dive center.
<a href="https://guyharveyoutpostblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/cherin-iii-2-low-res.png"><img class="wp-image-2524 size-large" src="https://guyharveyoutpostblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/cherin-iii-2-low-res.png?w=550" alt="Cherin III at anchor in Panama." width="550" height="263" /></a>Cherin III at anchor in Panama.
Owned by a Florida based fishing enthusiast, the <a href="http://www.guyharveyoutpost.com/destinations/beyond/panama-yacht-and-fishing-charter.html">Panama Yacht & Fishing Charters Outpost </a>is operated by South Africa native Hennie Marais, considered one of Panamas’ most respected sportfishing outfitters and lodge operators. “We have assembled a group of captains and crew to rival any tournament caliber sportfishing team you’ll find stateside”, notes Marais. “The Buddy Davis and Strike are equipped with all the best big-game tackle, and the mother-ship is our luxury lodge that is never far out of range when it’s time for lines-out.”
Panama native and seasoned sportfishing Captain Yasser “Jacko” Torres runs the Buddy Davis. Adds Marais, “experience and communication in the cockpit are essential to consistently catching big fish and having fun and PYFC Outpost has that covered. Jacko and his crew have all the requisite tournament credentials and are fluent in English, French and Russian, as well as Spanish, so anglers from all over the world will certainly enjoy their time with us.”
In commenting on the newest Expedition Collection property, Outpost co-founder and <a href="http://www.igfa.org/">IGFA</a> trustee Bill Shedd compared the new PYFC Outpost to long-range fishing operations common to southern California, where his company <a href="http://www.aftco.com/">AFTCO</a> is based. “While I’ve enjoyed many long range fishing trips, and you can always move around to find fish, they seldom have the space, amenities and comfort to bring along the family or business associates. Our new PYFC Outpost eliminates that problem, without question. Fish or fun, dive or sun. You decide, but its top-of-class”.
The PYFC Outpost fleet accommodates up to twelve guests and is available for three and six day charters, with customized float plans based on cruising or fishing preferences. For charter information, contact Guy Harvey Outpost toll free at 1.800. 513.5257 or visit <a href="http://www.guyharveyoutpost.com/">www.GuyHarveyOutpost.com</a>.
For More Information:
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![](mailto:?subject=Capt. Slate’s Creature Feature at the Islander Guy Harvey Outpost Islamorada&body=Not every creature is scary. Not every creature has hair either.
<a href="https://guyharveyoutpostblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/capt-slates-dive-center.jpg"><img class="aligncenter size-large wp-image-2149" src="https://guyharveyoutpostblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/capt-slates-dive-center.jpg?w=660" alt="Capt Slate's Dive Center" width="660" height="255" /></a>
Every Friday & Sunday morning at 8:30, <a href="http://www.guyharveyoutpost.com/adventures/diving.html">Capt. Slate</a> goes diving with his friends. Some want to cuddle; some just like a scratch behind the fin. Please do not try this at home, Capt. Slate is a trained professional and has been a practicing creature for 36 years!
<a href="https://guyharveyoutpostblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/slate-moray.jpg"><img class="aligncenter wp-image-2150" src="https://guyharveyoutpostblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/slate-moray.jpg" alt="Slate moray" width="350" height="224" /></a>
When diving be careful of the "S" word... No not Sharks... SLATE!!!
Capt. Slate is one of Guy Harvey Outpost's "Go to guys." He relocated his shop just a short drive from the <a href="http://www.guyharveyoutpost.com/destinations/florida/islamorada-fl/islamorada-fl-overview.html">Islander Resort, a Guy Harvey Outpost</a> in Islamorada. The drive from Miami International Airport it is less than two hour to the Islander. So no matter where you are coming from we can get you in the water in no time. And we promise, Slate is not as scary as he looks.
To get up close to Capt. Slate or one of his friends give our Reservation Wranglers a call at 800-513-5257 or drop them a line reservations@guyharveyoutpost.com https://guyharveyoutpostblog.com/capt-slates-creature-feature-at-the-islander-guy-harvey-outpost-islamorada/){kind=link}
![](mailto:?subject=Guy Harvey’s "Panama Paradise: Edge of Conservation" Documentary Scheduled for Release in Spring 2012&body=<a href="http://guyharvey.files.wordpress.com/2012/01/pf-guygeorge1.jpg"><img title="On location filing "Panama Paradise: Edge of Conservation"" src="http://guyharvey.files.wordpress.com/2012/01/pf-guygeorge1.jpg" alt="" width="450" height="300" /></a>
FORT LAUDERDALE, FL—JANUARY 9, 2012— Internationally known wildlife artist and conservationist <a title="Guy Harvey Inc. web site" href="http://www.guyharvey.com" target="_blank">Dr. Guy Harvey</a>, who took audiences across the planet in the award-winning Portraits from the Deep documentary series, is launching several new film projects in 2012, starting with <a title="Watch the trailer for "Panama Paradise: Edge of Conservation" " href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HQRksWAxdoI&list=UUK-ol6-5sVk_NcRHN1LtmOQ&index=1&feature=plcp" target="_blank">Panama Paradise: Edge of Conservation</a> due for release this spring.
“A critical part of the mission of the <a title="GHOF web site" href="http://www.guyharveyoceanfoundation.org" target="_blank">Guy Harvey Ocean Foundation</a> is education and film is a superb way to deliver the messages of science and conservation,” said Dr. Harvey. “Only through understanding the issues can we hope to save our seas for future generations.”
In <a title="Watch the trailer for "Panama Paradise: Edge of Conservation" " href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HQRksWAxdoI&list=UUK-ol6-5sVk_NcRHN1LtmOQ&index=1&feature=plcp" target="_blank">Panama Paradise: Edge of Conservation</a>, Dr. Harvey and two-time Emmy Award winning producer <a title="About George Schellenger" href="http://www.statusproductions.com/aboutus.html" target="_blank">George C. Schellenger</a> takes the audience on an expedition where the jungle meets the sea in an explosion of life, an unforgettable vision of Panama and its surrounding waters. The film will show how scientists are working against the clock to protect a land and sea paradise that attracts visitors from around the world.
<a href="http://guyharvey.files.wordpress.com/2012/01/tslmarlin7.jpg"><img title="Leaping marlin!" src="http://guyharvey.files.wordpress.com/2012/01/tslmarlin7.jpg" alt="" width="450" height="300" /></a>
“The film will feature massive storms, majestic marlins and even protective dolphins—all part of an adventure that takes place above and below the water,” said Dr. Harvey, whose latest documentary <a title="About "Mystery of the Grouper Moon"" href="http://guyharvey.wordpress.com/2011/12/18/fishing-ban-extended-at-one-of-the-last-spawning-areas-for-the-nassau-grouper/" target="_blank">“The Mystery of the Grouper Moon”</a> played a pivotal role in protecting one of the last know spawning areas of the Nassau grouper. An updated version of the documentary is in production. Also, a film revealing scientific breakthroughs in the study of migration patterns of satellite-tagged Tiger Sharks is underway for a 2012 release.
Dr. Harvey and Schellenger have collaborated on several projects recently, including <a title="Trailer for "This is Your Ocean: Sharks"" href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QUMViXUJQM0&feature=related" target="_blank">“This is Your Ocean: Sharks”</a>, a 44-minute documentary depicting sharks in their natural environment. This film captures the adventure and passion of shark diving and evokes a call for conservation and protection for the species that today is threatened by over fishing for a growing demand for shark fin soup.
Trailer for "Panama Paradise: Edge of Conservation":
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HQRksWAxdoI&feature=related https://guyharveyoutpostblog.com/guy-harveys-panama-paradise-edge-of-conservation-documentary-scheduled-for-release-in-spring-2012/){kind=link}
![](mailto:?subject=The Edible Sinking Christmas Tree&body=<img class=" size-medium wp-image-3198 alignleft" src="https://guyharveyoutpostblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/xmastree.jpg?w=225" alt="Xmastree" width="225" height="300" />By Sue Cocking, Guy Harvey Outpost staff writer
scocking@guyharveyoutpost.com
Back in the mid 1980s--nobody really remembers exactly when--members of the South Florida Dive Club were gathered around the Christmas Tree at their annual Yuletide party when someone wondered aloud what to do with the tree afterward.
"We were imbibing," admits past president Joe Smariga of Fort Lauderdale.
But the question persisted after everyone had sobered up and "a bunch of us got together the next Saturday and sank it," Smariga said.
The inaugural sinking didn't go too well; the dive boat they used had to pull the tree down to the bottom. But thus began an annual holiday tradition that was repeated again last Saturday when the club deployed a live spruce to the deck of the Merci Jesus-- a shipwreck that sits 70 feet deep off Fort Lauderdale.
"We look forward to it. Fish love it," Smariga said.
Fourteen club members chartered the Fort Lauderdale dive boat Sea Experience to transport tree and divers to the artificial reef site. Christmas music played over the boat's sound system as the group donned scuba gear accented with Santa caps and Christmas-themed boxer shorts .
Smariga and club member Eric Rohde had placed the tree in a 120-pound concrete base rigged with two lift bags to control its descent. First off the boat, they took about five minutes to get the tree to the bottom. Then the rest of the group followed carrying bags of edible decorations-- frozen pilchards; radishes; carrots; sliced sweet potatoes; and a head of lettuce to crown the tree.
Club members shot stills and video of their friends who were decorating; a few curious fish hovered in the background watching the process. When all the garnishes were in place, the divers moved back to watch how the local residents would receive their gifts.
It didn't take long. A gang of grunts quickly swarmed the tree, snapping at a shiny garland of pilchards and fighting each other for the fishy tinsel. A couple of small grouper drifted in, scaring off some of the smaller grunts and making off with the bait fish bits. They were joined by a couple of small hogfish and mangrove snapper.
When the pilchards were gone, tussles erupted over the vegetable ornaments with fish chasing each other around in a rugby-like scrum.
In the midst of the commotion, a three-foot spotted moray eel appeared on deck flexing its jaws and looking confused. It slithered between a diver's feet and circled the base of the tree. It made a circular ascent through the branches almost to the top, then descended and swam away without eating anything.
Divers looked at each other and shrugged.
As the divers' air supply dwindled, they made a slow ascent back to the dive boat, leaving the tree at the disposal of the fish.
The needles would be gone in a few weeks, and after a year or so, only the concrete base would remain-- sitting next to the remnant of a long-gone tree of a Christmas past.
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Sue Cocking chronicles the Guy Harvey Outpost travel and adventure experience in regular blog posts on GuyHarveyOutpostNews.com. For 21 years, Cocking covered the full spectrum of outdoors adventure opportunities in South Florida and beyond for the Miami Herald, including fishing, diving, hunting, paddling camping, sailing and powerboat racing. She is a certified scuba diver and holder of an IGFA women's world fly fishing record for a 29-pound permit.
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