Locals Only by Frank Kozik

Limited Edition of 30 (signed & numbered) 

Fine art Giclée print on Italian cold-press watercolor paper

18" x 24"

Printed by Paragon Press

Artist Statement

About the Artist

Often credited to have singlehandedly revived the lost art of the concert poster, Frank Kozik's creative career rose largely out of his enthusiasm for Austin's growing underground punk rock scene in the early eighties.

Species of the month
White Shark

Photograph by Andy Brandy Casagrande IV 

Conservation Status
Vulnerable (IUCN 3.1)

The legendary great white shark is far more menacing in our imaginations than in reality. As scientific research on these elusive predators expands, their perception as mindless killing machines is beginning to dim. 

Of the 100+ annual shark incidences worldwide, 1/3 to 1/2 are attributable to these sharks. However, most of these incidences are not fatal, and recent research finds that great white sharks, who are inherently curious, are "sample biting", then releasing their victims rather than targeting humans. It's not the most comforting distinction, but it does demonstrate that humans are not on the great white's menu. 

Great whites are the largest predatory fish on the planet. They reach an average of 15 feet (4.6 meters) in length, though specimens exceeding 20 feet (6 meters) and weighing up to 5,000 pounds (2,268 kilograms) have been documented.

These sharks have gray upper bodies to fuse with the rocky coastal sea floor, though get their name from their white underbelly. They are streamlined, torpedo-shaped swimmers with strong tails that propel them through water at speeds of up to 15 mph (24 kmh). Great whites can even leave the water completely, breaching like whales when attacking from underneath.

Highly attuned predators, these sharks' mouths are lined with up to 300 serrated, triangular teeth arranged in several rows, coupled with an extraordinary sense of smell to locate prey. Great whites have special organs that can detect the tiny electromagnetic fields generated by animals in the water. Their main prey items include seals, small toothed whales, sea lions and carrion.

Residing in the cool, coastal waters throughout the world, there is no well-found data on the great white's global population. However, scientists agree that the number of great white sharks is declining due to overfishing and accidental catching in gill nets, among other factors, and they are listed as an vulnerable species.

You can help save white sharks

1. Donate to organization working to raise awareness and research such as PangeaSeed, Oceans Research, African Impact etc.
   
   
2. Advocate stronger global and regional action to protect great white sharks and other endangered species.
    
3. Support the establishment and protection of marine protected areas (MPAs).    
    
4. Recommend ecotourism and dive or snorkel with sharks - but remember to look and DO NOT touch these vulnerable animals.  This offers sustainable monetary alternatives to destructive fishing methods.    
    
5. Think twice before you buy. Do not support the trade of threatened ocean animal products such as shark fin soup and try to reduce your carbon footprint.
    
6. Educate yourself, friends and family on the issues facing sharks and other endangered ocean animals. Act NOW if you wish to save our seas.