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Indybay Feature

SF Bike Rally Protests Shimano's Anti-Ocean Protection Efforts

640_california_coast.jpg
Date:
Thursday, September 09, 2010
Time:
5:30 PM - 5:30 PM
Event Type:
Protest
Organizer/Author:
Steven Maviglio
Location Details:
Justin Herman Plaza in San Francisco

Bicycle rally shows broad support for marine protected areas, calls on company to end opposition

Cyclists, conservationists, and other activists will gather at Justin Herman Plaza in San Francisco today at 5:30pm to voice their support for ocean protection, and call on Shimano to stop trying to block the creation of “underwater parks” in California and elsewhere.

"It's time for Shimano to sit down with environmental leaders to discuss these issues. Shimano should stand with us in supporting the Marine Life Protection Act to protect both the ocean and the future of sportfishing," said Supervisor Ross Mirkarimi, who is scheduled to speak at the event.

In addition to making bike components, Shimano is also one of the world’s largest manufacturers of rods and reels for fishing. While Shimano claims to be committed to conservation, healthy oceans, and environmental stewardship, they’ve spent millions of dollars financing efforts to undermine California’s landmark ocean protection law, the Marine Life Protection Act. The company has funded similar efforts in Oregon, Washington and the Gulf of Mexico.

“It is shameful that Shimano would stand in the way of smart science-based ocean management for the sake of short-term profit,” said John Wilner, Director of CounterCorp. “The irony of Shimano’s campaign is that protecting our oceans is good for business. Marine protected areas are like money in the bank—set a little aside and you can live off the interest.”

Marine protected areas are a proven tool to improve ocean health. Studies of protected areas at the Channel Islands have shown healthier kelp and more and bigger fish and shellfish, as well as a strong “spillover” effect as fish migrate beyond the boundaries of the reserve into open waters.

“The science is clear: marine protected areas are good for fish and for fishermen. A small investment now will pay big dividends for years to come in the form of more and bigger fish and healthier ecosystems. Supporting California’s Marine Life Protection Act is just common sense for those of us that use the ocean for work or play,” said Christopher Chin, Executive Director for the Center for Oceanic Awareness, Research and Education.

The rally will kick off just as the 2010 California and the World Oceans Conference concludes. Hundreds of scientists, resource managers, agency staff, and elected leaders will converge on San Francisco for the conference, and the “Sea in Cycling” rally is meant to show broad grassroots support for smart and sustainable management of the state’s oceans.

The rally will include bike-powered music, a dance performance by the Derailleurs, speakers and food. It will culminate in a costumed ride up Market Street to the after party at Triple Crown (1760 Market Street), where bike valets from San Francisco Bike Coalition will help park the participants’ rides.

For real time updates and photos from the rally, search for #SeaCycle on Twitter. For more event information, see http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=132003886840808&ref=search.


Added to the calendar on Thu, Sep 9, 2010 7:44AM
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