David Helvarg, founder and Executive Director of Blue Frontier, spoke with Rob about Blue Vision Summit 5 and his latest book: Saved by the Sea, Hope, Heartbreak, and Wonder in the Blue World on Moir’s Environmental Dialogues. About 400 people participated, Peter Benchley Ocean Awards were presented to HSH Prince Albert II of Monaco for Excellence in Stewardship by Enric Sala, Dr. Daniel Pauly for Excellence in Science by Jeremy Jackson, Secretary of State John Kerry for Excellence in Policy by Senator Ed Markey, The Economist for Excellence in Media, Madison ‘Pip’ Stewart (“Shark Girl”) For Youth Activism by Sylvia Earle, Nainoa Thompson for Excellence in Marine Exploration by Senator Brian Schatz. And Todd Miller & Dana Beach awarded Hero of the Seas by Cynthia Sarthou.
Up on the Hill went more than 200 ocean conservation advocates to meet 163 legislators. Issues of concern included support of the Illegal international Unregulated, Unreported Fishing Bill and opposition to Offshore Drilling in the Atlantic and Arctic Oceans. Nearly heartbreaking were Bristol Bay Alaska fishermen and tribal groups attempting to stop a 4 mile in diameter copper pit mine called Pebble Mine. Hope bloomed in prospects for a Climate Change Education Bill involving families and adult decision-makers. See below Margaret Cooney’s talk with Rob on their experiences on the Hill and what Magaret talked about 16 meetings with legislators – long day.
Saved by the Sea, Hope, Heartbreak, and Wonder in the Blue World is David Helvarg’s most autographical book. David and Rob remember Swamp Fox of their youth and not how far South Carolina wetlands have come in a decade or two. Travelling extensively as a journalist to war-torn areas of the world combined with a great personal lost, David take refuge, finds solace and discovers awe in oceans and sunsets. David recognizes that we live on a water planet. If we are to survive we must cherish it. Despite catastrophic events filling a very engaging book, one leaves with hope, a renewed sense of wonder, and a restored faith in what can be done if only we get on with doing it.
