Tamataroa is the local name for the hammerhead shark, which is the world's largest living hammerhead shark and is regarded as the "guardian of waterways" by the locals, however, this group of marine predators is facing the crisis of extinction, listed as "critically endangered" by the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species, in order to ecologically explore and protect this endangered species, Blancpain has launched marine conservation scientific experiments in French Polynesia and shark migration routes.
The opportunity for this Ocean Protection initiative began in 2014 with an encounter with the trenchless hammerhead shark by Marc A. Hayek, President and CEO of Blancpain.
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Marc A. Hayek
At that time, Mark Hayek was finishing the final test of his diving certificate, a huge trenchless hammerhead shark suddenly appeared from the deep sea, it passed by Hayek's side, the two sides briefly looked at each other, Hayek felt the welcome from this giant beast and was very moved. The thought that this encounter could be his last encounter with the hammerhead shark made Mark Hayek and Blancpain decide to act quickly.
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At the beginning of the campaign, Blancpain included the hammerhead shark as a focus of marine public welfare, and supported the establishment of the Hammerhead Shark Conservation Society (MPS), which carried out a series of scientific expeditions to the Hammerhead Shark Sanctuary in French Polynesia, an important habitat for the hammerhead shark, but the ecology of the species is extremely limited. Blancpain's three-year study with Laurent Balesta and his "Coelacanth Expedition Research" team provided the necessary data for the project.
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Fifty Fathoms Deep Submersible "Aurora Green" Hammerhead Shark Limited Edition Watch
In 2020, Blancpain will be released in limited quantities, and the "Aurora Green", which makes watch fans crazy and hard to find, is specially created for the trenchless hammerhead shark. In order to support the research conducted by the Hammerhead Shark Environmental Protection Association, Blancpain launched this Fifty Fathoms Deep Dive "Aurora Green" Hammerhead Shark Limited Edition, which became the first creature to appear on the Pendulum of the Blancpain Hammerhead watch, and the owners of 50 limited editions became part of Blancpain's Ocean Concern cause, donating $1,000 of the watch purchase money with Blancpain for a total of $50,000 to support the Hammerhead Shark Conservation Association.
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Fifty Fathoms Deep Submersible "Aurora Green" Hammerhead Shark Limited Edition Watch
Blancpain Fifty Fathoms has been inextricably linked to the ocean since its birth, and the brand has been committed to initiating and promoting major marine conservation activities and initiatives, practicing the role of a sea guardian. This year (2023) coincides with the 70th anniversary of Blancpain's 50 Fathoms collection, the 20th anniversary of Blancpain Ocean Commitment, and the 10th anniversary of Gombessa expeditions. Since its inception in 1952 and its launch in 1953, the Blancpain Fifty Fathom has been recognized by professional and amateur divers alike for its unique design, outstanding performance and reliable functionality, making a significant contribution to the development of scuba diving and establishing close ties with marine enthusiasts such as pioneers of deep-sea exploration, explorers, oceanographers and underwater photographers who wear the brand's creations.
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In order to awaken people's cognition, understanding and awareness of the ocean, and continuously drive Blancpain to contribute to marine protection, scientific investigations and more conservation actions for the hammerhead shark will continue in the future.