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Press Release
The four “CODE Keepers,” all currently involved in multiple ocean conservation efforts, are experts in their own rights when it comes to protecting their local coastlines. The public affairs specialist, graphic designer, attorney and forester hold diverse professional titles, but share a passion for surfing as well as a personal commitment to healthy oceans evident in their impressive volunteerism and advocacy efforts. “Alaskan Brewing Co. and Surfing Magazine collectively selected the four individuals for their dynamic personalities, passion for surfing, but more importantly, for their inspiring commitment to the health and sustainability of our oceans,” said Marcy Larson, co-founder of Alaskan Brewing Co. “We are excited to have them join us in representing Coastal CODE and everything that it stands for.” To be chosen, the four CODE Keepers submitted written essays and photos that depicted what they were doing to ensure a healthy future for the Pacific coastline. They embark in late September to surf Yakutat alongside Joe Curren and Chris Del Moro, while helping to protect Alaska’s fragile shores. Despite its pristine beauty and secluded landscape, debris from the Pacific Ocean washes ashore on the Alaskan coastline which is more than five times the combined length of the Washington, Oregon and California coasts. “I’ve surfed more than 30 countries in six continents, but never in Alaska,” said Curren, one of the professional surfers joining the expedition. “This will be an amazing opportunity to ride in one of the last frontiers of surfing while doing some good for our oceans.” Curren and his counterpart Del Moro will help facilitate activities during the trip, as well as share their knowledge and passion for protecting our ocean resources, on which their livelihoods depend. The weeklong trip involves a multi-day beach cleanup in Yakutat, a coastal Alaskan community dependent on the sustainable use of ocean resources. The cleanup will be conducted in partnership with the Marine Conservation Alliance (MCA) Foundation, a Coastal CODE grantee that helps keep the coast of Alaska clean, from Gastineau Channel to the Aleutian Islands. The MCA team will also educate the CODE Keepers about the harmful effects of marine debris on Alaska’s expansive coastline and the challenges of cleaning up one of the most remote areas in the world, knowledge that the CODE Keepers will later use in their own coastal regions. Other activities of the expedition involve working with the Alaska Oceans Film Festival, promoting Coastal CODE fundraising events and taking part in a multimedia outreach campaign. After the weeklong expedition, the CODE Keepers will be tasked with spreading the Coastal CODE message for a healthier Pacific Ocean in their hometowns and beyond, serving as Coastal CODE “ambassadors” through grassroots advocacy efforts. “This is an opportunity not only for our CODE Keepers to gain invaluable experiences in Alaska, but also for the Coastal CODE program to benefit from their unique qualities, experiences and drive,” said Larson. “We have no doubt that they will be inspired by what they see and do in Yakutat.” The chosen four, hailing from coastal towns along the western Pacific states, are: Tara Molle – Seattle, Wash. “Nothing is too small in terms of taking care of our beaches and mountains,” said Molle. “Every little bit helps. As a surfer and snowboarder, I believe that in order to enjoy Mother Nature's gifts, we in return should take care of her as well." – Tara Molle Molle is a public affairs specialist and photojournalist for the U.S. Coast Guard who received some training in southeast Alaska. Having surfed since a young age, she is an active member of the Surfrider Foundation, and participated in coastal clean-up efforts in Southern California and northern Washington. When the Washington weather keeps her from the beach, Molle takes to the slopes and promotes the importance of a healthy ocean and coastlines through activities with the Snowrider group. Eli Saddler – San Francisco, Calif. “If the only connection that people have with the ocean is the sushi on their plate, then we are missing the opportunity to connect people with the cause of making our oceans healthier before it is too late.” – Eli Saddler Saddler has lived and worked all over the world, wherever his love for surfing has taken him – including more than 10 years on the shores of Hawaii. An attorney by trade, Saddler says his calling is as the founder of the upstart nonprofit project called Ocean Health (www.oceanhealth.org), whose purpose is to educate consumers about choices that impact their health and the oceans. Rick Erkeneff – Dana Point, Calif. “I have been active in volunteering my whole life. It is the one thing that gives back to your soul without anyone saying anything.” – Rick Erkeneff Erkeneff, a former surfing competitor-turned-independent art director, serves as the chairperson of the South Orange County chapter of Surfrider, one of the largest chapters in the U.S. Erkeneff’s recent projects as chapter chairperson include coordinating bi-monthly urban beach cleanups, the “Save the Trestles” campaign, and spreading the word about the growing debris patch in the North Pacific gyre. Erkeneff also does pro-bono graphic design work for Surfrider and the Ocean Institute in Dana Point. Mike Wheeler – Port Angeles, Wash. “I feel that we are representatives and ocean stewards and have to act responsibly in her protection.” – Mike Wheeler Wheeler, a forester for the Department of Natural Resources in Port Angeles, Wash., says his passion lies in the ocean. Wheeler has surfed for more than 20 years, founded the Bellingham chapter of Surfrider in 1998 and served as the environmental coordinator for the Seattle chapter. He also created the Snowrider project on Snoqualmie Pass, which he helped coordinate for seven years. Over the last 15 years, Wheeler has organized beach cleanups and estuary restoration programs to enhance and protect the oceans. ### About Coastal CODE Coastal CODE is a registered nonprofit founded by Alaskan Brewing Co. in 2007. Alaskan Brewing is the largest brewery in Alaska and one of the most award-winning craft breweries in the country. Alaskan Brewing donates one percent of proceeds from its Alaskan IPA to the Coastal CODE initiative, providing grants to groups for the cleanup and preservation of the Pacific Ocean and its coastlines. For more information, visit www.CoastalCODE.org. © Copyright 1997 - 2003 by the Alaskan Brewing Company |
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