Save the Maui Dolphin - ban the seismic testing

Some of the world’s leading marine mammal scientists are calling on the New Zealand government to stop and ban seismic testing in the habitat of the world’s rarest sub-species of dolphin. With just 55 thought to be remaining the Maui’s dolphin (Cephalorhynchus hectori maui) lives off the west coast of North Island in New Zealand. The scientists believe that noise from the seismic testing could damage the hearing of the dolphins and also drive them into fishing grounds where they could be caught in nets. Read More

If you want to help add your weight to the campaign to end seismic testing in the Maui’s dolphin habitat please sign the petition through the link above.

Photographers rights in the UK

As a photographer and someone who recently ran a video editing / filming business, I am becoming increasingly concerned with the amount of coverage in the media, about people with cameras being on the receiving end of some very misplaced attitudes by the authorities.

A few of the articles listed here a worth reading especially the one from the guardian.

Innocent photographer or Terrorist from the BBC

Guardian Article

What I suggest is that camera manufacturers such a Canon for example (with their range of affordable Digital Rebel SLR cameras) have a greater advertising campaign for their SLR cameras. As soon as people realise that owning a SLR camera isn't expensive, and that its not rocket science to use one. Then hopefully more people will be walking around and enjoying taking images with them.

In the mean time there is an open e-petition which can be signed if you are a UK citizen which closes on the 13th September 2008. Which asks to clarify the laws surrounding photography in public places.

Petition Here