Press Release:
The Deepwater Horizon spill is officially the single largest environmental disaster in our nation’s history. In total, more than 200 million gallons of oil spilled into the Gulf of Mexico, fouling the waters, wetlands and shores along the Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama and Florida coastlines. Much of the oil known to have been released into the water has yet to be seen.
Not only is this spill a tremendous environmental catastrophe, it’s impacted lives and businesses along the entire Gulf Coast. In response to the spill, the Surfrider Foundation recently launched a new water quality monitoring initiative in the Gulf. Working through its network of grassroots chapters and volunteer activists, the Foundation will be taking weekly samplings from beaches across Florida and Alabama to test for the presence of both oil and dispersant. This information will be made available to the public to help inform them on the safety of their near-shore waters. The Surfrider Foundation will also be submitting the test results to officials as part of the Natural Resources Damage Assessment (NRDA). Our hope is that this effort will play a significant role in guiding future response and clean-up efforts, as well as providing a resource to local residents and businesses.
Surf Expo has partnered with the Surfrider Foundation to help raise funds for this important effort. Our goal is to raise $10,000 in support of Gulf Coast water quality monitoring. Donations are 100% tax deductable and will be used exclusively on Gulf spill response. We are encouraging all Surf Expo exhibitors to sponsor at least one test ($200 each). As an added incentive, every exhibitor who makes a minimum one test donation at the September 2010 show will be entered to win a free booth at the January 2011 Surf Expo show. Exhibitors will receive one entry for each test sponsored. In addition, the exhibitor who raises and donates the most money will be awarded a premium advertising package for the January 2011 show cycle.
For more information and to make your donation visit the Surfrider Foundation booth on the Boardwalk by the entrance to the Surf section.
