Shark & Tarpon Alliance Benefits Conservation

For Immediate Release
North Port, FL / Boca Grande, FL – March 16, 2012

High-Profile Events Promote Shared Commitment to Conservation of Marine and Coastal Environments in Southwest Florida.

Creators of the Guy Harvey Ultimate Shark Challenge Tournament and Festival and Organizers of the World’s Richest Tarpon Tournament have announced plans to strengthen and share their commitment to conservation by cross-promoting their common missions and messages to the general public, press and media. The Ultimate Shark Challenge Tournament and Festival takes place in Punta Gorda’s downtown waterfront at Laishley Crab House at Laishley Park May 4 ^th – 6 ^th followed by the World’s Richest Tarpon Tournament in Boca Grande May 17^th and 18^th and the Downtown Tarpon Festival May 19^th and 20^th.

Both all-release tournaments feature exciting and innovative high-stakes competitions that also place an emphasis on best practices when it comes to the post-release welfare of their respective target species; sharks and tarpon. The common ground between the two events is clear when looking at the USC’s established mission to, “Combine the Goals of Sport, Science and Conservation” alongside the WRTT’s new message of, “Conservation, Education and Sportsmanship”. Strategic alliances include Mote Marine Laboratory and Mote Center for Shark Research, Guy Harvey Enterprises and the Guy Harvey Ocean Foundation. The event’s respective festivals are free to the public and offer a host of family-friendly fun, excitement, entertainment and education.

Without a doubt, the main attraction at both events are the fishing tournaments, which also share boundaries within the same storied fishing grounds of Boca Grande Pass, Charlotte Harbor and the Gulf of Mexico. While their marquis species are indeed very different, event organizers are quick to point out that, “Sharks and tarpon have been coexisting here for millions of years and that their symbiotic relationship is a matter of essential mutual benefit to a healthy marine and coastal environment. In many ways, that relationship is a great metaphor for why we’re collaborating with our events.”

USC Creators, Sean & Brooks Paxton add that, “We’re extremely fortunate to have this uniquely diverse environmental playground right here in our backyard. The area offers so many choices for not only boaters and recreational anglers, but anyone interested in an endless list of eco and adventure-based activities on land and sea. There really is something for everyone. We’re proud of that and feel a responsibility to protect and conserve these natural assets while promoting the region, the people and the businesses that rely upon and support them. We do that by leveraging purposeful entertainment that also educates and inspires people.”

Lew Hastings, Executive Director at the Boca Grande Area Chamber of Commerce and Tournament Director of the WRTT explains, “My goal is to strengthen and promote the financial growth and well being of the local businesses in order to sustain a healthy community. We see the constant threat of damage and destruction to the natural beauty and wildlife habitats that surround us and recognize that they can not and should not be looked upon as a cost of doing business. Exploitation of natural resources in the name of progress and financial gain leaves us all a great deal poorer in the end. The significant economic and environmental impact recreational fishing has on our communities, make conservation for a sustainable fishery not only preferable but necessary. Education and conservation of the fishery combined with sport fishing will be the primary focus. Safe boating, sportsmanship and responsible angling will be promoted in order to encourage a safe, successful family friendly atmosphere that will inspire everyone to engage in the protection and proper stewardship of our natural resources so that they may be enjoyed for generations to come.”

FOR MORE INFORMATION:

www.UltimateSharkChallenge.com Team, Sponsor & Media Contact: Directors@UltimateSharkChallenge.com 941-416-1788, 941-416-5073	www.WorldsRichestTarpon.com Team, Sponsor & Media Contact: Info@BocaGrandeChamber.com 941-964-0568

2012 USC Observer Program Launched

The Guy Harvey Ultimate Shark Challenge Certified Observer Program is an integral component of the organization's mission to effectively combine the goals of sport, science and conservation. Applicants will complete a free training session conducted by tournament staff and biologists from Mote's Center for Shark Research. All attendees will be trained in:

- Observer Guidelines
- Species Identification
- Best Practice Catch & Release Procedures
- Tagging & Documentation
- Rules and Regulations of the USC

Training will take place:

May 4th between the hours of 4pm and 7pm at the tournament and festival site located at the Laishley Park Marina Community Room. Additional details can be found in the Observer Application below.

Upon completion of this training, certified observers will receive all items necessary to fulfill their tournament duties.

All interested parties are urged to visit the official tournament website at UltimateSharkChallenge.com to gain a general understanding of the event and its innovative competitive elements. You can also visit UltimateSharkChallenge.com/observer-program. Observer application forms can also be viewed and downloaded below.

VIEW OR DOWNLOAD OBSERVER APPLICATION

COMPLETE AND RETURN ELECTRONICALLY:
Download this Document to Complete Entry Form Electronically Then Return via Email:
Electronic Entry Form (Microsoft Word)
Follow instructions on form, complete and return via email to:
Directors@UltimateSharkChallenge.com

2012 GH-USC Entry Forms & Rules Online

Attention all anglers and teams. For your convenience, the 2012 Entry Form and Official Rules are now available online to view or download. PayPal option with your PayPal Account (free) or Major Credit Cards (merchant fees apply) is also available. Secure your team spot today for a shot at $10,000 plus in cash and prizes and 12-month bragging rights as the Ultimate Shark Challenge Champions!

View Or Download Entry Form

View or Download Official Rules

2011 Champions - Team Budweiser. L-R: Capt. Chris Slattery, Capt. David Hutcherson, Capt. Paul Lambert with Guy Harvey.

2010 Champions - Team Pole Dancer. L-R: Dr. Bob Hueter, Sean Paxton, (Team Members: Capt. Zach Gerzeny, Capt. Wayne Nichols), Brooks Paxton, Capt. Robert Moore.