ata
2010-06-19 23:48:24
I'm sure you are all well aware of the horror facing Gulf of Mexico families and communities. Maybe it's just too painful to think about such a thing all these weeks and you've turned away from the news, grateful to hit the fishing grounds? I get it. I came to Southeast from Prince William Sound around EXXON time and once lived in a Gulf coast shrimping community. From my time in the Gulf, and through my work for ATA and Commercial Fishermen of America, I have been honored to meet and become friends with many fishermen who live in Gulf states. The BP geyser feels personal to me and I'm sure many of you are deeply concerned for your own reasons.
As trollers, we have a lot of issues, but at least we are blessed with an abundance of healthy fish and habitat - we are lucky that we can make a living fishing in this beautiful and mostly pristine place. But that doesn't mean the Gulf oil spill is just about someone else. As an Alaska/USA fishing family - operating in an oil state - we should also remember that this CAN happen to us. Of course, for those in Prince Wm Sound and other in Alaska's own Gulf communities, it already has. Check out this site if you wonder about the current reach of the oil spill and what it would look like if it was here in Southeast:
I firmly believe that we need to work more closely with fishermen and communities around the country to better protect our region and others from those not so 'unlikely events' that seem to keep popping up. Imagine being a Gulf of Mexico resident in the midst of this unending oil spill who is also painfully aware that June 1 was the start of hurricane season...and it's predicted to be a bad one. If ever we needed the NOAA weather to be wrong, it's now!
Some of us here and in the Gulf of Mexico have been brainstorming in an attempt to think of meaningful ways for the Alaskan fishing industry to help from afar. Right now it's a frustrating exercise. The helpful options seem to be too few until we figure out what's really needed, who is filling those needs, and what gaps we might realistically be able to help close. One idea is to assist in providing protective gear for clean up workers, many of whom are unemployed fishermen. Over the long haul there will no doubt be national legislation, regulations, and other initiatives that we and our groups will be able to support and get involved with where appropriate.
In the meantime, here are a few small things that folks can do that will help provide some resources to fishermen fighting the battle, help create awareness, and boost the morale of those affected. Believe me, Gulf fishing families and the many others impacted appreciate simple gestures of support - it's very important to show that they are not forgotten.
1. This site has t-shirts and CDs for sale that benefit Gulf of Mexico fishermen. Use the code FISH so that a portion of the proceeds go to local fishing organizations.
2. There are also fundraising t-shirts being offered at Dredgebabydredge.com
The above site owners are working with the fleet - this is direct from fishing friends I know in Louisianna who asked that I share the links.
3. There is at least one community/fishing organization that I know mobilizing a fundraising effort this week to help finance travel for fishermen to key area meetings and WA, DC. They are working with a good friend, former Alaska fishermen, author and well known oil industry watchdog, Dr. Riki Ott. If you would like to make a contribution but have questions, you can contact me at 586-9400. I'm happy to help make sure money gets to the proper place. Or, send checks or credit card info written to ATA, with a note that it is for the Gulf Oil Spill efforts, and we can pass it on that way. Any funds received this way will be held in a dedicated account and used only on initiatives that we know are real. Contributions through ATA are mostly deductible - 97% in 2009.
4. This site announces the second of two protest days:
5. JOIN your groups...gear group, state, national. Industry has to be strong and able to stand and fight.
In the midst of their pain, Gulf fishermen are working to protect their shores and improve the laws affecting ALL of us living in oil producing states. Travel costs are steep, particularly when most of them aren't fishing. Your support and help with their efforts will be very much appreciated!
And thanks, Jon, for the venue to get this off my chest and out there to others.
For the Gulf...
Dale
ATA
PBS ongoing Oil Spill Coverage:
Need to Know program on oil spill:
Health Risks of the oil spill: