Watercolour raises money for Sea Shepherd

Rockingham painter Richard Bristow has pledged one of his stunning watercolour pieces for an auction on Saturday November 17 to raise funds for the ongoing work of the Sea Shepherd Conservation Society.

Salt Restaurant in Fremantle will host the Art for the Ocean 2012 event which will see ocean-themed works go under the hammer.

Guests will have the opportunity to bid for a number of prestigious pieces including Bristow’s Ocean’s Edge, works by sculptor Carol Clitheroe, underwater photographer Glen Cowans and figurative artist Alia Leadabrand.

Australian director of the Sea Shepherd Jeff Hansen said the fundraiser was in keeping with the society’s Defend Conserve Protect mission and without support it would be unable to continue its work.

‘‘Our campaign costs alone for defending the oceans last year almost hit $6 million, which includes a $2.5 million fuel bill for our three vessels,’’ he said.

‘‘Ships are extremely expensive, but are worth their weight in gold for the invaluable work they do.

‘‘Without the support of the public, our ships would never leave port — we need the public’s support to fund the critical action marine conservation campaigns for 2012.’’