August 27, 1997
(Tourism, Culture and Recreation)

Ocean Net "to instill an Ocean Conservation Ethic"

Breakwater Books Becomes A Three Dimensional Art Piece

"The Breakwater Books Heritage Building at 100 Water Street East in St John's is becoming a netscape installation site. The three dimensional art piece, which will cover the entire side and front of the 4-storey building, evokes marine life trapped and dying in lost nets," says artist Bob O'Brien of St. Philips.

"I started the installation yesterday, work will continune today and it will be completed on Thursday. It's a big building, so it will take several days to cover," explains O'Brien. "The purpose of this 3-D art piece is to bring immediate attention to the plight of the world's oceans. The oceans require immediate attention to the worldwide devastation and destruction caused by lost fish-nets and debris that continue to trap and destroy marine life, on land and in the water. Countless marine birds are also destroyed by lost nets and debris."

O'Brien is also the founder of Ocean Net, and he hopes the art piece will draw attention to the new grass roots oceans conservation organization. "The goal of Ocean Net is to `instill an ocean conservation ethic' by raising oceans awareness worldwide. Ocean Net plans to partner with diving clubs, community groups, schools and governments around the world to implement a series of environmental initiatives, including a program for the retrieval of lost fishing nets, an "Adopt a Beach" program for schools, and "Trash Ashore" program for boaters."

The installation started Tuesday, August 26. Bob O'Brien will be working on the building on Wednesday, Aug 27, from noon to 4 p.m. and on Thursday, August 28, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Contact: Bob O'Brien, (709) 749-6514.