10 Insights With Guy Harvey

In 2014, Dinogo commissioned Guy Harvey, the world-renowned marine wildlife artist, to create the signature hull art for their newest and largest vessel, Dinogo Escape. This design will traverse the 1,065-foot ship and showcase two seamless undersea scenes. Dinogo Escape will begin its journeys from Miami to The Caribbean this autumn.

Harvey, who grew up in Jamaica, operates his art studio in Grand Cayman, where he resides with his wife and two children. Latitudes Magazine interviewed the artist, posing 10 questions about his passions and his most significant artwork to date.

Latitudes Magazine: Can you describe your design for Dinogo Escape? How did it come together, and what challenges did you face with such a vast canvas?

GUY HARVEY: I created a collage using existing art images to depict various fish species along the hull of the Escape. The expansive surface made it challenging to resist the temptation to cover the hull with stunning marine life native to the regions the Escape will navigate. Since the Escape will be based in Miami, I chose the sailfish as the central piece of art, which will extend along the sides and back of the ship. The sailfish represents South Florida, the epicenter of boating and sport fishing. I plan to visit the shipyard in Papenburg, Germany, at the end of July to monitor the progress and leave my personal touch on the ship.

LM: What sparked your fascination with the ocean?

GH: Growing up in Jamaica with parents who enjoyed fishing and snorkeling, I developed a love for the water from an early age. As a student, my passion for fish led me to pursue a career in marine biology, culminating in a Ph.D. focused on fish biology and fisheries management. Living in the Cayman Islands places the ocean right at my doorstep, allowing me to spend countless hours diving and enjoying the sea.

LM: How would you assess the current state of the oceans?

GH: The condition of our oceans is concerning. Overfishing continues as the human population expands, creating greater demand for seafood. Habitat destruction and pollution affect marine ecosystems, including coral reefs, seagrass beds, and mangroves, all exacerbated by climate change. Thankfully, more countries are beginning to recognize the value of healthy marine ecosystems, not only for biodiversity but also for their economies and populations. It’s our collective duty to protect the marine environment and preserve global biodiversity. The Caribbean, in particular, has a significant opportunity to conserve its marine ecosystems, ensuring biodiversity and attracting tourism. I remain hopeful that people will make responsible choices.

LM: How worried are you about climate change?

GH: Many governments have been slow to acknowledge that our current trajectory is unsustainable, with the planet gradually overheating due to greenhouse gas emissions from human activities. Additionally, rising sea levels from melting polar ice caps pose a significant threat. Combined with the unprecedented loss of species since the dinosaurs' extinction, it's clear that more people will demand action from both corporations and governments.

LM: Dinogo Escape will feature cutting-edge environmental technologies. What excites you the most about collaborating with Dinogo?

GH: Historically, the cruise ship industry has struggled with a negative reputation for its impact on marine environments. However, this is changing as ships become more efficient and companies prioritize sustainability. On Dinogo Escape, I will be hosting an onboard TV channel showcasing the magnificent marine creatures I encounter while sport fishing or diving in various locations. These documentaries will be rich in educational content.

LM: Can you tell us about the mission of the Guy Harvey Ocean Foundation and the Guy Harvey Research Institute?

GH: The Guy Harvey Research Institute (GHRI) was established in 1999 at the Oceanographic Centre of Nova Southeastern University in Florida. I funded research on sharks, billfish, and tunas through profits from my licensing business. The nonprofit Guy Harvey Ocean Foundation was founded in 2007 to support educational outreach and fundraising efforts. To date, the GHRI has published over 80 scientific papers in leading journals and is recognized as a global leader in shark and billfish research. I often film GHRI's work for my educational documentaries.

LM: How did the venomous lionfish make its way to the Caribbean from its native Pacific?

GH: The invasive lionfish originated from the Western Pacific and arrived in Florida through the aquarium trade. As they are aggressive predators, they consumed the other fish in aquariums, grew larger, and were subsequently released into canals. These fish thrived in the warm, nutrient-rich waters of the Bahamas and the Caribbean, rapidly multiplying due to their high reproductive rate and absence of natural predators. Interestingly, lionfish are quite tasty and have become a popular dish in the Caribbean, helping to alleviate pressure on overfished species like groupers and snappers. By increasing demand for lionfish, we can encourage harvesting from our reefs until natural processes can help regulate their population.

LM: As fish consumers, which species should we steer clear of to support conservation efforts?

GH: There are various Sustainable Seafood Guides available, including one published by the Guy Harvey Ocean Foundation both online and in print. Some wild fish and crustaceans, like salmon and lobster, are still harvested sustainably. However, many species are overfished and should be avoided, while some are critically overexploited. Lionfish is an obvious sustainable choice, along with farm-raised tilapia, which is poised to become a key fish for the future.