On March 2nd, TOMS launched a special edition partnership with Oceana, supporting the organization’s critical advocacy for sea turtles and other marine life.
Sea turtles face constant threats from human activities, and this special collection aims to raise awareness about their ecological importance and Oceana’s work to protect them. The partnership features a limited edition footwear collection, inspired by the sea, and available for men, women, and kids with proceeds going directly to Oceana.
Like TOMS, Oceana has attracted acclaim from some pretty bold faced names. Oceana’s dedicated celebrity fans include Kate Mara and Lauren Conrad. The dangers sea turtles face has become an epidemic. Every species of sea turtle found in the U.S. is threatened or endangered and the areas around Florida and the Gulf of Mexico are some of the most important areas for turtle nesting, as well as one of the most vulnerable due to by catching .
Wherever sea turtles feed, rest and mate, they must also navigate the dangers of gillnets, longline hooks and especially trawl nets the scoop up everything in their path. For instance, in 2012, the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) estimated that up to 50,000 sea turtles could be killed annually in southeast shrimp trawls – that’s almost 150 turtles captured per day.
The TOMS x Oceana collaboration styles is available at TOMS stores around the country, select retailers, and www.toms.com. Prices range from $36 to $64.