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August 28, 1997
(Tourism, Culture and Recreation)

New Grass Roots Conservation Organization Ocean Net Hosts Oceans Awareness Day

"Ocean Net is a new grass roots organization whose goal is to `instill an ocean conservation ethic' by raising oceans awareness worldwide. Ocean Net plans to partner with diving clubs 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," says Ocean Net Founder Bob O'Brien.

"Ocean Net has joined forces with scuba divers to accomplish it's objectives. Who better than divers with which to have an alliance? They are better informed of underwater garbage, so they can work well with community groups and service clubs to retrieve lost fishing nets (ghost nets), plastics and other debris for disposal to landfill sites and recycling," explains O'Brien. "Rockwater Adventures Ltd. becomes the first chapter in the story of the ocean cleaning initiative. Rockwater, a Foxtrap based diving group, will be the first to become chaptered in an ambitious drive to get 1000 diving groups, 1000 communities, 1000 ocean fronts world wide involved."

"We're having our launch on Monday, September 1, at Topsail Beach, in Conception Bay, Newfoundland. Topsail Beach will become the first beach to be adopted by the students of Topsail Elementary School and St. Thomas of Villa Nova. Other communities on the south coast of Newfoundland and elsewhere are already lining up to become chaptered in this ambitious environmental clean up," says O'Brien.

"The event is open to the public and there will be much to see and do. There'll be a diving demonstration by Rockwater Adventures; marine biologists speaking on conservation and impact of lost fishing nets; the premiere of a new composition by Newfoundland composer Don Wherry; and a rock climbing exhibition. There will also be a complimentary lunch of steamed Mussels, hot dogs, and soft drinks," explains O'Brien.

"There is an urgent need to clean up. Our children and children's children, as well as ourselves, deserve a clean environment. We cannot and should not continue to spoil Newfoundland and Labrador's natural beauty; it is not only unhealthy, it is bad for business and bad for sustainable tourism. Besides diving clubs, Ocean Net will align itself with other environmental groups, community and service groups, the Coast Guard and government to clean up our marine environment and to instill an ocean conservation ethic," concludes O'Brien.

Contact:

Bob O'Brien
ph:(709) 895-3468 or (709) 749-651