World's First Carbon-Neutral Sailfish Tournament
Last month I spent a weekend in Miami Beach at the world’s first carbon-neutral sailfish tournament, co-sponsored by the National Wildlife Federation. The tournament offset an estimated 200 tons of carbon dioxide-equivalent emissions through AgCert, which is using the funds for a project on the East Coast to recapture agricultural methane, a greenhouse gas more than 20 times as powerful as carbon dioxide in trapping heat. Our National Wildlife Federation boat caught and released a total of four sailfish, good enough for 10th place.
A sunny weekend on a boat off the coast of Florida may sound like a vacation. But that calming cruise turns into stressful sport the instant a line starts twitching and your captain starts yelling, "Someone get that rod! Reel, reel, reel!" National Wildlife Federaton supporter Ray Golden and National Wildlife Federation regional representative Ron Warnken were each able to catch-and-release a sailfish, but if you know Ray or Ron, you’ve probably already heard the story – they couldn’t stop talking about what a thrill it was.
And that takes us back to the concern that drove Capt. Dan Kipnis to make The Sailfish Tournament carbon-neutral in the first place – will future generations be able to enjoy the same outdoor opportunities we do now? Or will they live in a used-to-be world where all they know about sailfish, polar bears and moose are the stories they’ve heard from their parents?
Take a look at this video and you’ll see what we’re fighting to save: http://www.youtube.com/v/7K20_jHLMu4&rel=1
I think it's gross that NWF would participate in fishing, even if the fish were caught and released. Fishing is a huge part of why our oceans face such devastation. NWF should have more integrity than that and look into a tournament that's about photoging marine life instead of abusing it.
Posted by: veganbetty | March 12, 2008 at 07:41 PM
I am truly appaled that you abused a sailfish for"sport" whil stating your organization exists as a mission to Protect Animal Life.
Not only have I wasted money on your organization you have betrayed my trust and that of all 2 legged and fish in not only condoning this animal abuse but participating in it
Not amusing at all
I feel ashamed of your role in this.
Barbara
Posted by: Barbara Rose | March 12, 2008 at 08:45 PM
I do not want to continue to put forth my moneys into an organization who promotes fishing for sport. Or, fishing.
Green? What difference does that make when the it ends in the death or harm of an innocent creature? Of whom I expected NWF to protect.
At this moment, I'm disgusted. I will examine your (NWF) policies to decide whether or not I will support and or promote.
Posted by: mountainmom | March 12, 2008 at 09:18 PM
Who made this bug-wit president of your organization? Ethics aside, does he not recognize the irony that his participation in this "torture and release" activity can only undermine NWF's objectives?
Posted by: Jay Bird | March 12, 2008 at 09:23 PM
C'mon people give em a break!! Sport fishing is the last thing left for guys to do in the outdoors. Society has condemed them for hunting big game, small game, and putting food on the table. We've condemed them for fox hunting, horse racing, greyhound racing, salmon fishing and every other activity that involves man vs. wild. Sport fishing is the last thing they have left. Thank God its all catch and release!! Can you imagine what we would do to them if it weren't? The fish aren't harmed, they're released back into the wild to swim another day. Your statement, "Fishing is a huge part of why our oceans face such devastation" is not true. Over-fishing and polution are the real reasons. You are attacking the wrong people. Its not the sport fisherman who catch and release MAYBE 1 (if they're lucky) fish a day, it is however the foreign countries who know no limits on the amount of fish they take on a daily basis. Its also the major corporations like Valero, DuPont, Texaco and all the other refinery's who continue to polute our waters and land on a daily basis. Choose your battles wisely and you just might win the war. Personally, I'd much rather have my husband out on a boat for 8 hours a day, TRYING, to catch a fish, than be in some bar drinking his life away. Trust me, I've had both scenarios and I'll take fishing any day.
Posted by: Charla Bennett | March 12, 2008 at 09:33 PM
Too bad that you have succumbed to such a low level. I have been a loyal subscriber since I was a child.
I get that people need to somehow interact and see animals close up in order to feel that they should save them--i.e. if they aren't sport, who cares; if they are not food; who cares--in short--who cares if the animal contributes nothing to the human race... what most people don't get, is some way or another, we are all connected and the demise or abuse of any animal or person eventually hurts us all.
I cannot believe you think it is okay to do what you did--looks like a big payoff somewhere.
As far as I am concerned, your credibility just went down the tubes.
Nancy Reid
Posted by: Nancy Reid | March 12, 2008 at 10:39 PM
I am absolutely disgusted....'good for you and your 10th place'....that did a lot for the environment...or perhaps your ego...hmmm...did not think you guys were a typcial "let's use our supporters money to pay for our sports" but hey - you are! It's cruel, it is unnecessary, and it is disgusting. You big bubba pigs. Pillage and plunder under a non-profits name. Keep the water clean - stay out of it!
Disgusting. Will NEVER SUPPORT YOU AGAIN!
Posted by: Lisa Smith | March 12, 2008 at 10:46 PM
If it wasn't for sports fishermen and sports hunters, you wouldn't have the animals and fish you all dearly love. Who do you think pays for the management of these creatures? All the wildlife agencies in the USA are funded with money raised from licenses and sales tax from hunting and fishing goods. Most conservation work done on fish has been carried out using catch and release methods. The natural world is not a Disney movie. For thousands of years, man has managed the environment. It doesn't just happen.
Yes I am a hunter and fisherman, but no one has more love and respect for the natural world than me.
Posted by: Graham Bunting | March 12, 2008 at 11:05 PM
We have heard that argument for years, and in some aspects, you are right.... again I say, unless you can use something for your personal gain, you think it is useless....
As for your argument, animals are still disappearing so you're not doing that great a job.
My biggest objection is the video is all "Hey I caught a fish" and nothing really about the methane gas....
Also, you forget about all the membership fees and other monies collected from tax payers....it's weird to think that those who want to kill the animals for "sport" want to be seen as the "saviors".
Posted by: Nancy Reid | March 12, 2008 at 11:15 PM
I agree it wasn't the best video to get across the message, but the message they were trying to deliver was that it is the fishermen that see the effects that we are doing to the ocean.
And to your comment that membership fees and other sales tax fund the wildlife agencies, that is untrue. These agencies are funded solely by hunters and fishermen.
Posted by: Graham Bunting | March 12, 2008 at 11:51 PM
If the agencies are solely funded by hunters and fishermen, then there are truly a lot of organizations misleading their members. It isn't hard to see what is happening to our oceans; one just merely has to have a look at southern California beaches where one cannot swim after rain... Don't need to see people catch a sailfish and let it go to show me that...
Posted by: Nancy Reid | March 13, 2008 at 12:58 AM
This is a joke, right?
“The tournament also completed its pledge to balance its carbon ledger, using a portion of the proceeds to offset its carbon footprint.” “The tournament is offsetting an estimated 200 tons of carbon dioxide emissions through AgCert, which will use the funds for an East Coast methane capture project.”
Please don’t misunderstand me, providing funds for the East Coast methane recapture project was a good thing. “…offsetting carbon dioxide is also a good thing. Some carbon dioxide is recaptured / reused by the plants of our planet. How are you going to ‘offset’ the carbon dioxide and carbon monoxide produced from your tournament? Plants can not recapture / reduce / reuse / recycle carbon monoxide produced from your tournament.
How about a fishing tournament to a sustainable aquaponcs farm; catch tilapia and instead of just molesting fish (aka: catch and release) you either eat the fish or donate the fish to meals on wheels to feed the elderly or others in need of a portion of fresh meat once in a while? The proceeds of your tournament would go far to help that cause too.
To Whom It May Concern: there are many kayak fishing trips that produce far fewer atmospheric emissions then offshore motor yachts do. There are even sailing mother ship kayak fishing trips that target Bill fish, Tuna, Yellowtail, Wahoo, and other large game fish. Bill fishes are a diminishing group and there are conservation efforts set forth to helping to protect them too. There are even kayak fishing trips for Thresher sharks in the Santa Monica bay and Sturgeon trips in the San Francisco bay. This is if you are sport enough (man enough) to take nature on her own terms. To catch a hundred to four hundred pound fish (some that can bite you back) from a 40 to 100 pound piece of plastic is a bit more of a challenge then taking sailfish from the back of a 30 foot or larger fishing yacht.
So as not to be considered a hypocrite or be misunderstood here, I like to fish. I pack up a Hobie Adventure Island sailyak or a canoe and head to a local pay per entry Park. Within these pay/entry parks are pay/fish lakes. These lakes are stocked regularly with farmed rainbow trout and farmed channel catfish depending upon the season and water temperatures. These lakes also contain bass, bluegill, crappie, red ear; other sunfishes, bullhead catfish and invasive carp. I fish for ‘one’ of the larger channel catfish or trout which I promptly put on ice for the evening meal. If I should happen to catch (I don’t target them) one of the other fishes I return it with as little harm as I possibly can with one exception. If I catch a carp or two or the five that is my limit, then I keep them. No, I do not eat them. I prep them as feed for my hens. I also use them for catfish bait and chum on future fishing trips. (If this seems unwise to you then please read: www.carpbusters.com) After catching a fish (if I catch a fish) I just sail, peddle or paddle my kayak around the pond / lake in search of fish or just enjoying the day, while expending no energy other than the wind or my own.
I agree, pollution does as much or more harm then sport fishing or game hunting and trapping does. However, they still hurt.
I agree, non-game species will always play second host to money making game species when it comes to fish and game department dollars. On that point I’d like to add that when ever you improve a game species habitat you also help a non-game species habitat as well. (They are all relative: see below)
“When you light the path for another you often discover you have also enlightened your own.”
~ Old Buddhist saying
Speaking of jokes: The difference between republicans and democrats is democrats eat the fish they catch instead of mounting them on their ‘trophy’ wall. I have always wondered if somebody out there has a full figured mannequin mounted for every human ‘conquest’ they achieved. Hey wait a minute, Bill Clinton is a democrat. Did he mount his catch or eat it? Lol
That reminds me when the nwf was backing an energy bill authored by McCain and Lieberman. I did write my representatives with regards to this bill. D- Boxer from California (member of the senate energy and environment committees) replied:
Please take a closer look at this bill, (enclosed). It turns out that the bill that called for slowing the artic drilling had enclosed a clause enabling the increase of nuclear energy production plants to fill in the gap. That is why Barbra Boxer indorsed another bill to get that job done. That is way Boxer is my senator. The nwf supported more nuclear plants?
You can always be a member of the National Wildlife Federation and be a member and donate to the Nature Conservancy. They don’t just manage the wildlife they pick and chose; they acquire lands and restore habitats. Most post secondary life science classes pander to the idea of sustainable living; habitat restoration with wildlife ‘management’ only as a last resort. Build them a home (and protect it) and the wildlife will manage just fine without us. They may even manage better without our interference as they had done before ‘man’.
Anybody still want to take a round the world luxury fishing cruse, where they charge twice the fares and donate 5% of the profits to a good cause of their choosing; write it all off their taxes and cover it all up with a 501 non-profits organization?
“The last temptation is the greatest treason: To do the right deed for the wrong reason.”
~ T.S Eliot
Am I the only one whom smells the ‘other’ fish story here? You can fool some of the fisherman some of the time, but you can not fool all of us fisherman all of the time.
Well, I’ll be…?
“The tournament is offsetting an estimated 200 tons of carbon dioxide emissions through AgCert, which will use the funds for an East Coast methane capture project.”
That smell is not from a fish story at all. See for ya self. That other smell is from east coast hog and cattle farms. Something smells like b.s. to meeeeee. Lmao
I may walk the city streets on the boulevards of the broken hearted, but I am glad to read that I do NOT walk alone.
“…we are all connected and the demise or abuse of any animal or person eventually hurts us all.
~ Nancy Reid
Dear Nancy,
I believe I have heard this before.
Toot your horn loud and long enough until there is not anybody left that can not hear it.
"LETTER FROM BIRMINGHAM JAIL"
April 16, 1963
Birmingham, Alabama
While confined here in the Birmingham city jail, I came across your recent statement calling present activities "unwise and untimely." Seldom do I pause to answer criticism of my work and ideas. If I sought to answer all the criticisms that cross my desk, my secretaries would have little time for anything other than such correspondence in the course of the day, and I would have no time for constructive work. But since I feel that you are men of genuine good will and that your criticisms are sincerely set forth, I want to try to answer your statement in what I hope will be patient and reasonable terms.
Moreover, I am cognizant of the interrelatedness of all communities and states. I cannot sit idly in Atlanta and not be concerned about what happens in Birmingham. Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere. We are caught in an inescapable network of mutuality, tied in a single garment of destiny. Whatever affects one directly, affects all indirectly. Never again can we afford to live with the narrow, provincial "outside agitator" idea. Anyone who lives inside the United States can never be considered an outsider anywhere within its bounds.
~ Martin Luther King, Jr., 1963
Pillage and plunder under a non-profits name. Keep the water clean - stay out of it!
~ Lisa Smith
Whatever affects one, affects all. = Law of ecology.
Anyone who exists can never be considered an outsider anywhere because there are no bounds.
All things merge into one place,
and a river runs through it.
~ Norman Maclean
Every person, place and thing: not many, but one = Tao.
Posted by: Henry Bante | March 13, 2008 at 01:11 AM
“Yes I am a hunter and fisherman, but no one has more love and respect for the natural world than me.”
No greater love hath a man than to lay down his life for another.
Many before have died for the ‘natural world’.
Diogenes with his lantern burning in broad daylight went about the world searching for an honest man, but found none.
Diogenes would not find one here today either.
“My biggest objection is the video is all "Hey I caught a fish" and nothing really about the methane gas....”
What, you missed the methane?
That came after the bean & cheese; egg breakfast burritos and the broccoli, brussel sprouts, onion ordure with the beer for lunch.
“...it's weird to think that those who want to kill the animals for "sport" want to be seen as the "saviors".”
Hmm, careful with that one now… I recall a savior being killed and then those who killed him and those who had him killed wanted to be known as the saviors.
I fish for recreation not for sport. I have never entered a ‘tournament’ or any other kind of fishing contest or competition. I could go to the market like everybody else and purchase fish that somebody else killed just like everybody else and sometimes I do just that. I still enjoy fishing. I have been known to place a fish on ice and ‘save’ it for dinner. Have no problems being seen as a saver, but a savior I am not even a want to be. I have a degree in horticulture & biology and have a vegetable garden in which I propagate and grow plants to kill, save and eat. I also grow fruit trees and other perennial food producing plants. Is that okay? I have a small aquaponics system in which I raise tilapia, lettuce, boc choi, spinach etc and I eat those too. Does using a solar powered recirculation and aeration pump count any? I raise chickens & rabbits and I eat those too. At the back of the lot there are plantings of clovers, alfalfa, hickory and many other plants for the deer, other rabbits, raccoons, opossums and birds to eat. Even have a pond with some native sunfishes in it for the raccoons, egrets, herons and cormorants to eat. Save the patio area for some plantings and feeders as offerings to the hummingbirds. I have a bird bath with a spray nozzle that sprays during the days, powered by a solar panel. I don’t have a cat anymore. I found the cat with a hummingbird in its mouth so the cat now lives with my daughter and granddaughters.
“If the agencies are solely funded by hunters and fishermen, then there are truly a lot of organizations misleading their members.”
This sentence is not a premise or a conclusion, it presents no argument. Very interesting, this is a conditional statement and a pretty good trap for the unsuspectingly ignorant.
I agree, many members are being misled by organizations and agencies, but what does that have to do with “funding by hunters and fishermen”? I have little doubt that many members are also being misled by hunters and fishermen. Hunters and fishermen are very good at misleading their prey; that is how they get them. If you don’t want to be duped by such organizations then don’t join such.
“And to your comment that membership fees and other sales tax fund the wildlife agencies, that is untrue. These agencies are funded solely by hunters and fishermen.”
cough, cough, cough In logic classes this is referred to as the over generalization fallacy or the equivocation fallacy.
What agencies are we talking about here? State fish and game ‘agencies’ receive much funding from hunters, fisherman, parks entry fees, harbors and beaches use fees, camping fees etc. To say “solely” funded by hunters and fishermen is an over exaggeration at its most innocent and ignorant and a very misleading lie at its worse. The answers are sometimes found in the name of the organization if you read into it correctly. E.g.: Natural Resource agency, Fish and ‘Game’ department. That should send up some flags if you are paying attention. Now, what about the National Fish & Wildlife service? That does not read Fish and Game service. State fish and game agencies do pander to hunters and fishermen, state Natural Resource agencies less so. They do all answer to the public they serve and the government command they serve under. Many government agencies and departments are about managing and servicing the publics USE of the resources.
It fascinates me when two or more people look at the same words, the same places, the same situations, see them differently and are still not both incorrect or both correct at the same time. It may take a paradigm shift for them to see these things similar and more than that to see them the same. … the old, “See things the way you want to see them instead of the way they are.”
Are we all even talking about government agencies? The private sector has many ‘organizations’ that pander to the sportsmen’s interests and many that pander to the environmentalists / conservationists interests. To argue correct or incorrect you have to be talking about the same thing, and you are not. First define / discover what organization you are both speaking about, then research from where ‘that’ organization receives it’s funding from. Who knows, even you may become able to answer correct of incorrect once you know what ‘everybody’ is speaking about,
but I doubt it. lol
The bottom line:
A fishing tournament was used to raise funds for a good cause.
The fishing tournament is in conflict of interest with the good cause.
“The last temptation is the greatest treason: To do the right deed for the wrong reason.”
~ T.S Eliot
In this case they wanted to do a ‘good’ deed for a ‘good’ reason.
They did raise funds for a good cause.
It was the wrong deed for the right reason.
This temptation ended in treason of the trust of some national wildlife federation members,
and I hope they learn for it.
Posted by: Henry Bante | March 13, 2008 at 04:13 AM
Only one response came close to addressing the major incongruity of this outing. Did anyone take the time to find out the diesel fuel consumed on this trip? How much exhaust was put into the water and atmosphere?
I used to be an avid fisherman 60 years ago and did own a small outboard motor, however in later years, get just as much enjoyment out of a canoe and/or small flat bottom boat and sort of poking around in shallow calmer water and observing the flora and fauna around me while the big gas guzzzling power boats power past oblivious of their surroundings.
Lets leave the top predators in the ocean alone. (This includes Bill bish and Sharks). They are necessary and vital to the ecosystem, slow to reproduce and mostly in danger of extinction.
Posted by: larry | March 13, 2008 at 08:12 AM
I agree with Larry... By the way, National Parks collect thousands of dollars from visitors each year. This money goes into maintaining and preserving the parks - and though some of the people maybe hunters, it does show that hunters and sportsmen ARE NOT the only ones supporting conservation. As for Henry comment about watching what organization you are joining, I think that is what sparked this whole matter off. I believe there are some here, who are members of NWF, who are re-thinking their membership.
Nancy
Posted by: Nancy Reid | March 13, 2008 at 10:44 AM
Fishing is NOT a huge part of why our oceans face such devastation. Commercial Fishing is...And the two are mutually exclusive.
Thanks to the Sport Fish Restoration Act recreational Anglers pour millions of dollars into conservation and environmental efforts that have improved habitats for migratory birds, secured open space, among other things.
Sending a check to NWF in no way compares to the efforts of anglers...Sure there are always bad eggs, but the same can be said about any activity.
I spend a lot of time cleaning up the areas that I fish, I promote conservation efforts more than most of you, and I support the efforts of NWF and the carbon neutral trounament.
IF you rethink your membership because of this, you are only using it as an excuse to save a few bucks. If you support environmental efforts, show your support, don't jump off the ship because maybe 100 people out of the 6+ billion in the world went fishing in a tournament that was able to offset its entire carbon output...
Posted by: Doug | March 13, 2008 at 12:23 PM
For those interested in learning more about the Sport Fish Restoration Act or the Wildlife Restoration Act:
http://wsfrprograms.fws.gov/
We can all support the environment, because I hunt and fish responsibly does not make me an evil person.
We're on two sides of the fence all trying to hold it up...If we can find a common ground to work together rather than fight against each other, we can do even more for the environment.
Posted by: Doug | March 13, 2008 at 12:31 PM
How can "supposedly" smart people have such little respect for other living creatures?
Ever see what a fish looks like after biting on a hook that is yanked out of its guts or its gills? Think any of us could survive that?
It doesn't take much to realize that catch and release often ends up with injury and death. Not to mention the stress and pain of being caught.
Are there any hunters or fishers out there who would be willing to switch places and be hunted or fished?
Hey, make an event and video of that--THAT I'd like to see!
Carbon neutral? Come on. This is just an excuse for a bunch of idiots to pretend they are big, tough guys.
NWF-can't you figure out a better way to promote the concept of carbon neutral?
Posted by: sandra | March 13, 2008 at 12:38 PM
Thank you NWF! Thank you for posting this article and video. I look forward to renewing my membership with the National Wildlife Federation.
Posted by: Jim Hansard | March 13, 2008 at 01:17 PM
WHAT A BUNCH OF IDIOTS (responders)! OHhh! Don't hurt the poor fish. Ohhh! It's too much...I can't take it. Why, fish should have rights. They're going to get mad one day and revolt. Just like in the 60's.
Give me a break! Fish are for food. We're not going to run out. If the fish don't like it, send them a message...don't bite. But you'll say, that doesn't make sense. We shouldn't take advantage of lower species. Exactly my point...we're not abusing "lower species," we're doing what's natural...eating fish for food.
And, if you want to plead for something meaningful, don't plead for fish. Plead for lives (humans, for those who don't know there's a big difference between animals and humans). Plead for those who are persecuted and beaten (women, children); plead to stop sweatshops (you know...the contents your buying to satisfy your material needs - clothes, toys, cookware; basically most things made in third-world countries); plead for something that makes sense.
Poor, poor fish. Wake up!
Posted by: Jeremy | March 13, 2008 at 02:46 PM
I thought this was the Onion. Organizing an event that brings pain and agony to wildlife? Where's the advocacy? This president ought to go find a conservation-minded hunting fishing group and quit his post here. This has nothing to do with the use of fish--this only has to do with what this particular organization is supposed to represent. Might be good to send the article to the Onion though.
Posted by: AnthonyComstock | March 13, 2008 at 02:54 PM
sportsmen spend more to preserve nature than the non-sportsmen. In ohio, the biggest problem noted by the dnr is that kids just are not going outdoors in the numbers as in the past. encouraging the next generation to get out there will do much to preserve it. limiting it to only the thinking pattern of a few will lead only to its demise. there is room for all of us. those insiders are happy to think that food comes only from colorful boxes and slick packaging.
Posted by: win | March 13, 2008 at 04:32 PM
If you go back and read, you will see this has nothing to do with fishing for food. It clearly states catch and release--a tournament--not feeding anyone. And pleading for less cruel treatment of fish or animals, DOES NOT mean that we do not plead for less cruel treatment of people. Again, I state, we are all connected and abuse of any animal or human eventually hurts us all. I feel that a catch and release tournament is a strange way for NWF to show what it stands for. Also a strange way to encourage use of the outdoors. Again, while sportsmen and hunters contribute money towards conservation--they are not the ONLY ones doing so. Check out the stats of the National Parks and you will see that others actually contribute more.
Nancy
Posted by: Nancy Reid | March 13, 2008 at 04:40 PM
I am absolutely disgusted....'good for you and your 10th place'....that did a lot for the environment...or perhaps your ego...hmmm...did not think you guys were a typcial "let's use our supporters money to pay for our sports" but hey - you are! It's cruel, it is unnecessary, and it is disgusting. You big bubba pigs. Pillage and plunder under a non-profits name. Keep the water clean - stay out of it!
Disgusting. Will NEVER SUPPORT YOU AGAIN!
Posted by: KAZIMIERA DZIWOSZ | March 14, 2008 at 03:22 AM
I have to agree with everyone else, this was a pretty disgusting display of speciesism, and then there was the plume of black exhaust coming out of the boat. I think the president of NWF should resign. He just doesn't get it.
Posted by: Ronda Roaring | March 14, 2008 at 10:30 AM