With this tea towel we have combined an image of 'The Great Wave off Kanagawa', a woodblock print by Japanese artist Hokusai, created in late 1831, with a quotation by Sir David Attenborough:
“The living world can’t operate without a healthy ocean, and neither can we."
Attenborough's words sum up the challenge facing our planet and remind us of the importance of the oceans in its surival.
Our marine ecosystems are under enormous pressure, over a third of the world’s fish stocks are being fished to unsustainable levels and climate change is resulting in unprecedented changes to marine biodiversity.
But despite this, independent research shows the public is more aware than ever – and more worried than ever – of the threat to our oceans and there has been a marked increase in those making the connection with their own buying habits.
But given the scale of the challenge, it is also essential that governments play their part in managing marine ecosystems so we can produce healthy, low-carbon protein for the world’s growing population.
The print depicts three boats moving through a storm-tossed sea, with a large wave forming a spiral in the centre and Mount Fuji visible in the background. It has been described as "possibly the most reproduced image in the history of all art", as well as being a contender for the most famous artwork in Japanese history.
