June 01, 2004
6/1 - Hawaii/Cozumel/Catalina - Don't Call These "Publicity Stunts"
"Publicity Stunt," is a terrible way to dismiss the dedicated efforts of many important individuals. Last year an Austin businessman did a 20 mile swim in Cozumel, Mexico to call attention to coral reef decline, which he is going repeat on August 5 and extend to 35 miles. In September a group at Catalina, lead by veteran diver and guide Jon Council, will do a 50 mile continuous dive around the island to call attention to kelp forest decline. And this week Donna Kahiwa Kahakui will paddle her solo outrigger canoe the state of the ocean in Hawaii.
It's a trend. Ocean decline is reaching the state where individuals are getting so upset they are eager to do anything to help call attention to it. It is part of a growing mass movement that consists of a chorus of voices of all different shapes and sounds, each trying to do their part. Everyone from Paul Watson of Sea Shepherd (whom I once heard emphasize that everyone works in different ways and simply needs to contribute what they know how to do) to this summer's Blue Visions Conference. It's continuing to grow.
Marathon canoe paddler Donna Kahakui