The unique exhibition features photographs of individuals whose lives are dominated by the sea, including a number of celebrities such Mike Golding, one of the worlds most accomplished sailors, who has lent his support to the project. All the subjects are photographed carrying out their ‘day job’ but underwater.

John West is one of the UK’s leading seafood brands whose fleet of ships has been out in all weathers since 1857, catching only the finest wild fish.  Today, they still fish the world’s oceans with their own fleets and fishermen which gives them an immense understanding of the difficulties faced by fishermen and the industry.

Asanka De Silva, Marketing Controller from John West, said: “We are delighted to be sponsoring the ‘Celebrations of the Sea’ exhibition.   This is a fantastic opportunity to showcase our own connection with the sea, whilst helping to raise money for a worthwhile cause.  This exhibition is a really imaginative way of bringing to life the experiences of all mariners - from fishermen to sailors – in a way that everyone can enjoy and we expect there to be lots of interest and engagement as the exhibition tours around the UK.”

The sponsorship from John West is supported by supply chain management company CEVA Logistics, which is providing its vehicles to transport the images around the different locations.

The exhibition is a collection of images taken underwater by photographer and TV Producer Kate Westaway. The Bristol based photographer has pictured everything from the rarest marine life in waters across the globe to high profile stars like Angelina Jolie on the set of Tomb Raider II. The exhibition will tour the UK at a number of Sea Life Centres where the images can be viewed submerged in various tanks.

Shipwrecked Mariners’ Society Chief Executive, Malcolm Williams, said: “‘Celebrations of the Sea’ aims to honour the maritime industry’s unsung heroes from the fishermen who brave the UK’s stormiest seas, to traditional lobster pot makers who keep precious fishing traditions alive and our most talented chefs who turn the fish caught out at sea into the nation’s favourite dishes.  We are incredibly grateful for the support shown to the Society from headline sponsor John West, logistics provider CEVA and Sea Life for providing venues for the exhibition.”

The project aims to raise the profile of the UK maritime sector and its importance to the UK economy where it directly employs over 250,000 people, more than aerospace and agriculture combined, and has a £37 billion turnover.  Over 95% of all Britain's imports and exports go by sea and fifty million people travel to, from and around the UK by ferry each year.

All donations generated from the exhibition will go to the Shipwrecked Mariners’ Society to support its work on behalf of retired and impoverished seafarers and their families in times of financial hardship.

With a volunteer network of over 200 Honorary Agents throughout the British Isles, the Shipwrecked Mariners’ Society handles several hundred new applications for assistance each year, distributing over £1.5 million to over 2,600 cases of need in the last 12 months.

The exhibition will launch in Brighton at the Sea Life Centre on 20th October where it will stay until 27th October before moving onto the centres in Weymouth, Birmingham, Blackpool and Scarborough in November and December.

The exhibition will be open to the public at Sea Life Centres at the below locations and dates:

10th October – 27th October Launch in Brighton

15th November – 21st November Weymouth

22nd November - 28th November Birmingham

29th November – 5th December Blackpool

6th December – 12th December Scarborough

Entry is free to people who have purchased a ticket to visit the Sea Life Centre.

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