Shark and marine conservation group Beneath the Waves (BTW) release the very first charitable NFT. The group provides 68 unique opportunities to become a digital marine biologist. Buyers can tag threatened reef and tiger sharks with cutting-edge technology. Within the first day of sales, the group sold out and raised over 70 thousand dollars (US).
“This is the future of fundraising – it is thrilling to be a part of it and to lead the charge,” claims Dr. Austin Gallagher, CEO and Lead Scientist of BTW.
NFT definition
NFTs have recently gained popularity in the cryptocurrency world. The first fully charitable NFT supports shark research! For those not familiar with NFTs-non-fungible tokens-, an NFT is a unique digital item on the blockchain. Unlike digital art, which can be copied, reposted, reproduced, and shared, the purchase of an NFT gives the buyer something that can’t be replicated-ownership.
Austin remarks that “It (NFTs) changes the fundraising cycle – drastically shortening it – but success will only really be possible if you’re in a position to offer real value to purchasers. A credible and battle-tested platform is key, as well as a diverse team of creatives. I think we had that, which is why we experienced success.”
Beneath the Waves’ NFT
Each NFT from BTW supports long-term research and conservation for threatened shark species. The funding goes to tag sharks. Purchasers fund the science needed to form policy, drive impact, inspire education, and create real change.
BTW’s NFTs also give collectors access to the data from a specific shark tag. Depending on the edition purchased, the buyer can name and adopt a shark or access high-tech underwater footage from a shark’s perspective.
“What we love most about this collection – other than being at the cutting edge of science, culture, and innovation all in one – is that we’re truly taking collaboration to the next level, too. We love bringing new people into the world beneath the waves, whether it’s in the field, in the boardroom, or online with the Crew,” -Beneath the Waves.
Support shark and ocean conservation and be a part of history by joining the movement on Blockparty here!
