OpenSea Shared Storefront

A Kori Burkhardt edition NFT with 100% profit going to research and conservation of the oceanic white tip shark in French Polynesia. 

The collectors of this piece directly contribute one Wildlife Computer satellite tag, one year of CLS satellite access fees, and deployment costs upon the collective collection of all 25 editions. 

Collector benefits: group shark certificate of adoption with names of all collectors listed, behind the scenes deployment footage, and tracking updates on the shark (up to one year).

The preservation of the oceanic white tip shark, referred to as the 'parata' in Tahitian, is not only important for the ecosystem but also for preservation of Tahitian culture. The parata are a powerful 'taura' (ancestral connection guardian animal) as well as a deeply rooted part of legend. This name is in relation to the fierce warriors from Anaa atoll in the Tuamotu islands, known for their ferocity and embodiment of the parata shark. Even Jacques Cousteau referred to this shark as the most dangerous fish in the sea. This piece, Project Parata, is a moment spent face to face with this infamous species in the Tahitian open ocean. With the large hook in the corner of the jaw, this was not the shark's first encounter with a human. And the importance of this project is better understanding the overlap of critical shark habitat and ocean use areas, with the aim of preventing negative human-shark interactions. Important to note: this is NOT a baited encounter. Observation of this rare, open ocean roaming species is by pure chance while in search of humpback whales or while surveying offshore moorings. 

Understanding how these rare sharks utilize French Polynesian waters to promote positive human-shark coexistence is the primary goal of Project Parata. In order to do that, satellite tags will be deployed to track shark movement. The satellite tag allows for real-time tracking of the shark's location for up to one year. This data provides insight on any migratory routes, critical "hotspots", and residency rates exhibited by the species. This is the first study of its kind in this region, providing groundbreaking insight to the critically endangered oceanic white tip that can help increase conservation efforts. I want collectors to feel they are not only gaining beautiful art, but making a difference by doing so. Which is why I have included the additional collector bonuses for this piece! Collecting this edition provides a way to make a difference and directly get involved in the project. 
*Due to the ever changing value of ETH, this edition has been priced to account for fluctuation. Any excess profit acquired after covering the costs of one Wildlife Computers satellite tag ($1700), one year of CLS satellite access fees ($1,020), and deployment fuel/logistics costs ($250) will go directly to Mao Mana Foundation's "Project Parata" efforts focused on community outreach (shark education and conservation presentations in local schools), responsible ecotourism initiatives (preventative safety, trauma response, and sustainable shark interaction training for whale tour operators), shark protection enforcement (monitoring of sanctuary environmental code), and fishermen-led science programs (photo-identification database for population surveying). 

Title: Project Parata
Edition Size: 25
Artist: Kori Burkhardt
License: Extended Editorial
Extended Editorial License: Can be used to display privately, or in commercial and non-commercial settings, or in groups with an unlimited number of participants. The License includes unlimited use and display in virtual or physical galleries, documentaries, and essays by the NFT holder. Provides no rights to create commercial merchandise, commercial distribution, or derivative works.

Kori Burkhardt is an underwater photographer, expedition leader, & shark biologist based in French Polynesia. Capturing the ocean's apex predator by completely immersing with them, her goal is to show sharks in a beautiful, yet still powerful, perspective. As co-founder of conservation and research organization Mao Mana Foundation, her mission commits to protecting sharks.  