Scuba Diver Ocean Planet Issue 2/2016 | Page 56

ADEX 2016 APRIL 15–17 SUNTEC SINGAPORE TWO OCEAN MINUTES WITH JIM TOOMEY By Jim Toomey The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) has partnered with cartoonist Jim Toomey in developing a series of two-minute videos intended to raise awareness of the importance of oceans and the coastal environment. The videos use animation and humour to explain in clear and simple language the role oceans play in our lives and their importance to our very survival. Marine Litter The True Value of the Ocean Sharks and Ocean Health Polyps in Peril Jim’s magical animation illustrates just how big an issue marine litter really is, inspiring us to make changes in our daily lives to help protect the oceans. Jim says we can learn from his character, Sherman the shark. Because sharks are at the top of the food web, protecting them is an important part of maintaining a healthy balance of life in the sea. In this film, Toomey enlists the help of Sherman himself to illustrate just how important sharks are to ocean health. The ocean is more than just a playground for divers; it is also a vital, valuable resource. You will be surprised to discover just how valuable it is! Jim Toomey and Céline Cousteau joined the World Resources Institute in making this video. Jim shares his humour and uses his magical pencil to create this animated short’s images. Céline uses her personality and passion to narrate coral reefs’ story. The result is a film that informs, inspires action, and makes you laugh. Two Miles Deep In June of 2014, Jim was invited by the Duke University Marine Lab to be a “cartoonist-in-residence” aboard the famed deep submersible vehicle Alvin. Two Miles Deep is an account of his dive to the bottom of the Gulf of Mexico. In this 27-minute film, we discover, from the perspective of a cartoonist, through video and animation, that the deep ocean is a world full of beauty and complexity. SDOP 54