I don’t normally get to hob-nob with the rich and famous but last night saw me and my colleague Sophie from our Brighton Office, away from our desks attending the launch of “Project Ocean” by Selfridges in London.
Prince Charles had a special visit to see the displays earlier in the day. And while we failed to spot models Elle Macpherson and Lily Cole, we did get to rub shoulders with a range of celebrities such as Countryfile’s Julia Bradbury, Emilia Fox who plays Dr Nikki Alexander in the BBC’s Silent Witness, and Janet Street Porter. TV chef and Fish Fighter, Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall was also there and we were lucky enough to sample the famous River Cottage mackerel bap, served by its inventor, the River Cottage Canteen head chef, Tim Maddams.
Selfridges have turned the whole store over to the sea – the legendary window displays celebrate the vibrancy of sealife while telling us interesting and important facts about the marine environment and the current threats it faces.
There is a stunning display of hundreds of corals surrounding a futuristic bubble dress in one of the windows. It looks great until you read the sign that tells you that each one of these corals was confiscated. To stop them being removed from the sea, it is illegal to trade coral or coral products. Much more attractive were the live corals (not taken from the wild but “grown”) on display in tanks in Selfridge’s basement Ultra Lounge.
However, Project Ocean which the RSPB is supporting, does have a more serious side to it – it is raising awareness of critical marine conservation issues. For example, Selfridges are promoting marine protected areas to conserve sealife. Because of the problems with over-fishing, Selfridges’ restaurants, cafes and food concessions have all committed to only serve fish and seafood from sustainable sources from now on. They are also looking at other products throughout the store and no longer selling anything that could damage the marine environment, such as jewellery made from coral. And the message is, if Selfridges, known for its luxury brands, can do it, so can every other shop and restaurant on the high street!
Project Ocean runs until the 8th of June (World Ocean Day), so if you get a chance, go along and check out the marine-themed windows and other art displays featured throughout the store. And check out the Project Ocean website to see what events are on over the period. The RSPB is involved in two events, on the 26th and 28th of May, to raise awareness of the need to protect our estuaries and oceans and all the wonderful wildlife they support.
So fingers crossed that the international appeal, media clout and fame of Selfridges can help us achieve our goals for protecting marine wildlife.
Sharon Thompson