upcoming

Ocean Night Film Screening

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Environmental disasters like the Deepwater Horizon oil spill require an all-hands on deck approach – and that’s why Ocean Conservancy, Humboldt Baykeeper and Humboldt Surfrider are teaming up to raise awareness and funds at two upcoming events. BP’s April 20 spill exceeds the 1989 Exxon Valdez spill in both gallons of oil propelled into our ocean and expected clean-up costs. The immediate consequences – death and destruction – are obvious, the long-term legacy likely horrific. To highlight, and help defray, the real cost of this crisis, ocean advocates are showing a film about Exxon Valdez and hosting a fundraiser for Gulf Waterkeepers.

On Thursday, June 3, as part of the monthly Ocean Night event, Ocean Conservancy, Humboldt Baykeeper and Humboldt Surfrider present Black Wave: The Legacy of the Exxon Valdez. The award-winning documentary shows how the spill has profoundly altered the lives of tens of thousands of people, reducing them to poverty and despair. Some species, including herring, have never recovered, creating a permanent economic crisis for the fishermen of the Sound. Black Wave also reveals how the initial class-action suit brought against ExxonMobil seemed to end in a huge victory, but was reduced to a mere 10th of the original amount by the U.S. Supreme Court – a bitter defeat for the people of Cordova, AK. The showing is all ages, free – with donations for the Gulf Waterkeepers accepted – and begins at 7 p.m. at Arcata Theatre Lounge, 1036 G St., Arcata. Doors open at 6:30 p.m.

In support of ongoing efforts to clean-up the Gulf Coast, Ocean Conservancy, Humboldt Baykeeper and Humboldt Surfrider also host a Friday, June 11 fundraiser at Humboldt Brews, 856 G St. Ukesperience plays at 9 p.m. All proceeds go to assist the Gulf Waterkeepers with clean-up supplies, protective gear and other items needed to maintain the front lines of defense. 

Ocean Conservancy has been advocating for ocean protection since 1972 and is helping lead the Gulf Coast response, restoration and recovery effort, as well as working to advocate for reforms to ensure this tragedy is never repeated. Humboldt Baykeeper, part of the Waterkeeper Alliance, was launched in October 2004 to address the immediate need for an advocate for Humboldt Bay, its associated watersheds and the near-shore waters of the Pacific. Humboldt Surfrider is the local chapter of Surfrider Foundation, was established in the early 1990s, and continues to protect North Coast ocean, beaches and waves from environmental and access threats. For more information, visit oceanconservancy.org, humboldtbaykeeper.org or surfrider.org/humboldt.

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