Latest reefing effort brings partners together to create near-shore reef fish habitat
Coastal Conservation Association has announced plans for a $100,000 reef project off the Texas mid-coast, funded by CCA Texas, CCA National’s Building Conservation Habitat Program, Shell, Shimano and Frabill, in partnership with the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department Artificial Reef Program. This latest step in CCA’s reefing program will bring valuable reef fish habitat and angling opportunities in the heart of the Texas coast at a time when it is needed most.
“In dealing with Gulf reef fish issues, working on advocacy issues alone is not enough,” said Robby Byers, executive director of CCA Texas. “Creating new, viable habitat is an equally important priority, and our membership is committed to putting significant structure in the water that will be a magnet for both fish and anglers. We are proud to be building a string of reefs along the coast, and proud to be working with corporate partners like Shimano and Shell to improve marine habitat and angling opportunities.”
“CCA does a first-rate job of initiating progressive efforts on behalf of people who fish in coastal regions,” said Phil Morlock, Director, Environmental Affairs, Shimano American Corp. “Thanks to CCA and Shell, this Texas reef project will provide great fishing opportunities for generations of anglers to enjoy and we are pleased to be a partner in this conservation effort.”
CCA’s habitat efforts combine both state chapter and national components of the organization. Last August, CCA Texas funded $50,000 for the expansion of the Vancouver Reef off Freeport, and has earmarked another $50,000 for a Port Mansfield reefing project in the fall. In December 2010, the CCA National Building Conservation Habitat Program announced a $1.5 million contribution from Shell Oil Company, with the first $250,000 going towards the Independence Island Reef in Louisiana’s Barataria Bay. The Building Conservation Habitat Program has contributed $60,000 to the Texas mid-coast reefing effort and is making plans for another reefing project in Alabama later this year.
“You have to go through a lot of hoops to get projects like these off the ground and into the water, but we are building real momentum with the habitat program. Tons of material are going into the water, and the pace is picking up,” said CCA National President Pat Murray. “When we get recreational anglers, private companies and state agencies all working together, we can accomplish great work.”
###
CCA is the largest marine resource conservation group of its kind in the nation. With almost 100,000 members in 17 state chapters, CCA has been active in state, national and international fisheries management issues since 1977. For more information visit the CCA Newsroom at www.JoinCCA.org.
Tags: artificial reefs, CCA Building Conservation, habitat
Posted in CCA Building Conservation, CCA Gulf of Mexico | 1 Comment »
Sportsman SD and HD Now Available as A la Carte Option; New Subscriber Proceeds To Support Gulf Coast Fund & Coastal Conservation Association
New Berlin, Wis. (August 31, 2010) – Sportsman Channel, the leader in outdoor TV for the American Sportsman, today announced the network is available in both SD and HD as an a la carte option on DISH Network Ch. 395. In an effort to raise awareness and funds for Gulf regions working to recover from the recent oil spill disaster, Sportsman Channel will funnel this year’s proceeds from the a la carte pricing to a special “Sportsman’s Fund” created with the Coastal Conservation Association (CCA) to benefit Gulf coast habitat restoration and research. CCA is one of the largest non-profit marine conservation groups in America.
To help support and bring awareness to these efforts, DISH Network is offering a free preview of Sportsman Channel Sept. 3 – 28. Additionally, Sportsmen Channel and its parent company, InterMedia Outdoors, are utilizing all print, on-air and digital assets to further promote the cause.
Outdoor enthusiasts can subscribe to Sportsman Channel a la carte by visiting www.dish.com or calling (800) 894-9131. Sportsman Channel and Sportsman HD launched in DISH Network’s America’s Top 250 package in February 2010.
“Because we’re donating our monthly fee to CCA, every new Sportsman Channel SD and HD a la carte subscriber on DISH Network is helping Gulf region sportsmen, families and wildlife,” said Sportsman CEO Gavin Harvey. “We are proud to join DISH Network and CCA in this drive to raise money and also to raise awareness that Gulf communities still need our support.”
CCA has worked closely with government and regulatory agencies since the beginning of the Gulf oil disaster to ensure the Gulf’s habitats, fishing industries, marine life and resources are adequately represented and supported. CCA’s history and experience in marine habitat restoration and coastal conservation will continue to be a vital component in the recovery and restoration of Gulf marine resources.
“We are thankful to have this unique partnership with Sportsman Channel and DISH Network that helps to raise awareness and vital funds to restore the Gulf of Mexico,” said Pat Murray, CCA president. “There are some very positive programs and signs of progress occurring throughout the Gulf, but there is still much to do. This generous program will be an important part of restoring and enhancing the Gulf’s fragile habitats.”
SPORTSMAN CHANNEL: Launched in 2003, Sportsman Channel is the only television and digital media company fully devoted to the more than 82 million sportsmen in the United States, delivering entertaining and educational programming focused exclusively on hunting, shooting and fishing activities. Sportsman Channel is now available in HD, check with your local cable or satellite provider. Acquired by InterMedia Outdoors Holdings in 2006, Sportsman Channel reaches 27 million U.S. television households and is a part of the nation’s largest multimedia company targeted exclusively to serving the information and entertainment needs of outdoors enthusiasts. Visit www.thesportsmanchannel.com, follow on Twitter, @SPORTSMANchnl (www.twitter.com/SPORTSMANchnl), become a Fan on Facebook, www.facebook.com/sportsmanchannel and download Sportsman App at www.itunes.com/appstore
ABOUT CCA: Coastal Conservation Association (CCA) is the largest marine resource conservation group of its kind in the nation. With almost 100,000 members in 17 state chapters, CCA has been active in state, national and international fisheries management issues since 1977. CCA’s strength is drawn from the tens of thousands of recreational saltwater anglers who make up its membership. From South Texas to the Puget Sound to the upper reaches of Maine, CCA’s grassroots influence is felt through state capitols, U.S. Congress and, most importantly, in the conservation and restoration of our coastal marine resources. Visit www.JoinCCA.org for more information.
–30–
MEDIA CONTACTS:
Sportsman Channel
Michelle Scheuermann, 262.432.9100 ext. 111;mscheuermann@thesportsmanchannel.com
Amy Sorrells, 404-550-4885; amyssorrells@comcast.net
Coastal Conservation Association
Ted Venker, 713-626-4234; twvenker@JoinCCA.org
Tags: CCA Building Conservation, Gulf of Mexico, habitat, oil spill
Posted in CCA Atlantic States, CCA Building Conservation, CCA Gulf of Mexico, CCA Pacific Northwest, CCA South Atlantic | No Comments »
