The June 2008 Lower 48 UpdateEquilibrium was released in January 2008 to a thunderous applause at AEG Media’s Fly Fishing Film Tour in Ventura, California. Since that time it has shown in over 50 theaters to tens of thousands of anglers. Over the course of the tour, thousands have signed petitions, which were sent to the Governor of Alaska. Their collective voice has been heard. In addition, Castaway Film's very own Dr. Grant Wiswell lectured on this important topic to numerous anglers at the International Sportsman's Expo in Denver, with Brian O'Keefe, Brian Kraft, and Jack Dennis.
Scott Hed, Director of the Sportsman’s Alliance for Alaska, has screened Equilibrium at over 11 sporting shows to hundreds of anglers throughout the country this winter. From his experience with the film, Mr. Hed reports, “The sport fishing industry, and the fly fishing segment of the industry in particular, has continued to support the campaign. Magazines continue running stories and updates as well as the full-page ‘No Pebble Mine’ advertisement, which now has 100 company logos on it. Dozens of companies donated products for the Bristol Bay conservation campaign’s online fundraising auction. To date, the auction has grossed over $41,000; and it will run through late June. All funds raised will be used to support continued outreach efforts both in Alaska and outside the state.”
According to Margot Roosevelt of The Los Angeles Times, prominent jewelers, including Tiffany & Co., Helzberg Diamonds, and Fortunoff, recently announced a “Bristol Bay Protection Pledge” in conjunction with the “No Dirty Gold Initiative.” In no uncertain terms these jewelers have voiced their concern and will oppose irresponsible mining practices planned for Alaska’s Bristol Bay. This is the first time in history that jewelry retailers have joined the fight against a specific mine. As over 80 percent of all gold used in the US is for jewelry, this may prove to be a significant deterrent to dirty gold distribution.
The June 2008 Alaskan Update
The Renewable Resources Coalition has been the on-the-ground opposition to Pebble Mine in Alaska. The RRC has put the needed legislative pressures on the wavering Alaskan State government through an unprecedented petitioning process. In addition, Anders Gustafson has taken charge and has organized numerous rallies, talk shows, and concerts. Equilibrium was shown during each of these events and continues to “Rock against Pebble Mine.” The film has been used as an educational piece and has been shown throughout the state from grade schools classrooms to university theaters. The RRC continues to hit the pavement and fights daily against the high-dollar, pro-Pebble propaganda that is pedaled to the public daily.
The June 2008 European Update
The Pebble Mine Issue is of global concern. Interestingly, Equilibrium has sold more copies to anglers outside of the USA than local fly fishers. In London, Paul Sharmon, Editor of FishandFly.com, has taken it upon himself to educate the European community at large. Hundreds have now signed petitions and are behind the efforts.
Finally Mr. Hed lectured in Rome to the Board of Directors at the European Fishing Tackle Trade Association. This lecture was given at their annual trade show in attempts to raise awareness and “turn up the heat on Anglo American in their own backyard.” Scott reminds us that “Europe sends numerous anglers to Alaska each year and is one of the primary buyers of wild salmon harvested commercially in Bristol Bay."
