Bass Pro Shops has joined Columbia Sportswear Company and The Ocean Foundation in their efforts to protect and restore seagrass meadows.
“Seagrass health is critical to everyone who depends on the water for their livelihood and recreation,” said Larry Whiteley, Bass Pro Shops. “As one of the largest boat manufacturers and outdoor retailers in the nation, we look forward to educating boaters about the importance of seagrass as well as how to safely navigate through seagrass meadows.”
Bass Pro Shops and Columbia Sportswear demonstrated their support of the SeaGrass Grow campaign through the release of a special collection of Columbia's Performance Fishing Gear. This apparel collection will be available for purchase to the public on June 2, 2010 at the following Bass Pro Shops locations; Islamorada, Miami, and Fort Meyers. In addition, Columbia Sportswear and Bass Pro Shops are providing direct financial support to the SeaGrass Grow campaign including sponsorship of a seagrass restoration demonstration project with The Ocean Foundation in the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary located 3 miles from the dock at World Wide Sportsman.
“We are honored that two of the most respected names in the outdoor industry have partnered to support this dynamic program,” said Mark J. Spalding, President of The Ocean Foundation. “Their combined ability to educate consumers about the importance of seagrass beds in protecting our oceans and our planet will truly elevate this critical issue. Their active support of conservation and restoration demonstrates their commitment to healthy fisheries and aquatic ecosystems.”
This partnership is very timely considering the oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico. It brings to light just how important it is to repair and protect the seagrass beds, so they are resilient in the face of threats such as oil spills.
Columbia Sportswear Company and The Ocean Foundation launched their support efforts online (www.columbia.com/seagrass) on March 9, 2010 in conjunction with Seagrass Awareness Month in the state of Florida. In addition, Columbia has provided an initial donation of $10,000 to enhance the SeaGrass Grow campaign. Columbia also provided another $10,000 donation to help sponsor the seagrass restoration project in the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary.
Seagrass beds are home to dozens of animals, including fish, shellfish, eels, and seahorses; in fact, 70% of marine life is dependent on seagrass at some stage in their life cycle. Seagrasses play an important role in sequestering carbon in the oceans. Their leaf systems and root structures help stabilize the sea floor, which helps to protect the coastlines during storms. However, boat groundings, propeller scarring, ill-placed development, and other human activities have damaged the world's seagrass meadows. According to a recent release from the United Nations Environment Programme, over 30 percent of seagrass meadows have been lost since the 1940s.
Active restoration of seagrass has been successful and provides continued access to boaters who depend on these waters for their livelihoods and recreation. The SeaGrass Grow Campaign will provide funding to grassroots organizations globally working to conserve and restore this critical resource.
