World Ocean Day - June 8th

In honor of World Oceans Day (http://www.theoceanproject.org/wod/index.php) we had two activists and business people on the show today.
Sarah Graham the Program Liaison for Pacific Explorer Whale and Dolphin EcoTours (exploremontereybay.com)
Sarah says Ecotours have 6 principles they must adhere to...
1. They must raise sensitivity to travel destinations.
2. They must minimize impact.
3. They must build environmental awareness
4. Provide direct financial benefit for conservation
5. Provide financial benefits and empowerment for local people.
6. Provide positive experiences.

If tour can do all of these things they can join the International Ecotourism Society. Check them out at http://www.ecotourism.org/.

Sarah made the point that if you pour used car oil or any toxic fluid down street drains, they'll flow to the bay and damage kelp which will in turn effect the abundance and quality of beer. Her generic person is "Steve from Kansas"... and he'll get the eco-connection via the threat to his favor drink.
She probably has an idea there.

And Frank Emerson from the Alliance of Communities of Sustainable Fisheries (http://www.alliancefisheries.com/)came in and we had a brief discussion on what the term sustainable fisheries are. Frank gave some great examples of healthy runs in Alaska, but left us hanging with a quick peak at the Pebble Mine in Bristol Bay.
http://www.renewableresourcescoalition.org/pebble_mine.htm
This project is so damaging to the environment it puts ANWAR in the kiddy pool.

We need to get involved in this one and not allow the applications for permits to be approved. "To properly understand the threat to Alaska's most prolific ecosystem, we recommend studying a map of the area which will indicate the most unfortunate location for the proposed mine. As former Governor Jay Hammond said "I can't imagine a worse location for a mine of this type unless it was in my kitchen"."

Check it out!

deb