IT ALL STARTS WITH SEAHORSES 

Family-owned Australian winery Wakefield Wines is on a worldwide mission to save seahorses. The winery has partnered with Project Seahorse, the global leader in seahorse conservation to support their vital work in protecting seahorses from coast to coast. 

Did you know forty percent of Canada’s surface area is marine and we have the longest coastline of any country? That means we need to pay attention to the health of our oceans. Seahorses have been a symbol on all Wakefield wine bottles for over fifty years, in fact, tiny fossilized seahorses were found the day the winery dug their first vineyard dam and have since been a symbol of fertile soils. 

This is a global cause that first started in Australia on #WorldOceansDay where the winery partnered with the Sydney Institute of Marine Science (SIMS) on a project to help save Australia’s Endangered White’s Seahorse from extinction. 

Project Seahorse, based at the University of British Columbia (UBC) in Canada, makes discoveries & collaborates globally to take effective action for the seahorses and their seas. According to Project Seahorse, robust seahorse populations are dependent on healthy oceans. Around the world, seahorses come under pressure from many factors including nonselective fisheries, degradation of coastal habitats, and climate change. 

Wakefield third-generation Winemaker and Managing Director Mitchell Taylor acknowledge both organizations face a common challenge. “Seahorses, much like grapevines, are an indicator species that raise the alarm to serious climate-related issues. To reverse the decline in seahorse populations we need to take a step back to look more closely at how we care for our oceans more broadly. 

This summer Wakefield Wines are calling on people to help raise much-needed funds for Project Seahorse and advocate for their oceans. Wakefield’s social channels will showcase a series of ocean photography captured by wildlife and conservation photographers from Canada, the United Kingdom and USA. 

By building an army of ocean ambassadors, the two organizations aim to show how local actions can have a global impact. Wakefield is kickstarting the campaign by committing AUD$10,000 to Project Seahorse. 

Project Seahorse Director and Co-Founder Amanda Vincent, a Professor at UBC, was the first-ever marine conservationist to receive the Indianapolis Prize, the world’s top award for animal conservation. This award is given every two years for scientists and researchers who have achieved major victories in advancing the sustainability of an animal species. Pioneering work by Project Seahorse has identified that saving seahorses is about more than just looking at the species in isolation. 

As a Canadian who has spent her fair share of time in the ocean locally and abroad, Amanda has seen firsthand our impact on marine environments. 

“All of us in Canada need to develop a sense of stewardship for our ocean… and our seahorses. Forty percent of Canada’s surface area is marine and we have the longest coastline of any country, yet we pay scant attention to the ocean. Looking after our seahorses in Nova Scotia is part of protecting our ocean heritage and caring for our ocean’s future.” 

Steve Woods is a Vancouver-based wildlife and conservation photographer who will be capturing the beauty of Canada’s local oceans. His underwater photography showcases how awe-inspiring the ocean is. 

Wakefield Wines are calling on people to help raise much-needed funds for Project Seahorse and advocate for their oceans. Wakefield’s social channels will showcase a series of ocean photography captured by wildlife and conservation photographers. 

Donations to Project Seahorse as well as additional information is available at wakefieldwines.com/projectseahorse 

Canadians are invited to share their own stories and contribute images of the ocean – www.wakefieldwines.com @wakefieldwines @projectseahorse 

#ouroceanhome 

Support the cause by also choosing Wakefield Wines. Hailing from the Clare Valley, Australia with a winemaking history spanning more than 150 years, it is one of Australia’s oldest wine-producing regions. The unique geography, geology and climate results in world-class elegant, award-winning wines. One of Australia’s first families of wines, Wakefield is also committed to sustainability, from lightweight bottles to being carbon neutral via reforestation and a reduced carbon footprint, these wines are fresh, elegant and Super Wine Girl Approved! 

These wines are available across Canada. 

Wakefield Estate Riesling 

Wakefield Estate Chardonnay 

Wakefield Estate Shiraz 

Wakefield Estate Cabernet Sauvignon 

Wakefield Estate Pinot Noir 

Wakefield Promised Land Shiraz 

Wakefield Promised Land Cabernet Sauvignon