The Ocean and Coastal Conservation Guide: The Blue Movement Directory (2005-2006)

Abstract

Review: The Ocean and Coastal Conservation Guide: The Blue Movement Directory (2005-2006) By David Helvarg (Ed.) Reviewed by Ryder W. Miller San Francisco, USA The Ocean and Coastal Conservation Guide: The Blue Movement Directory (2005-2006). Edited by David Helvarg. Washington, DC: Island Press 2005. 193 pp. ISBN: 1-55963-861-3 $26.95 Trade paper. Printed on recycled, acid-free paper. David Helvarg, the author of Blue Frontier and War Against the Greens, a journalist turned activist, has provided the ocean conservation, now ocean sustainability, community with a directory which lists the many governmental agencies and nonprofits which are concerned with the fate of our coastal and ocean resources. Herein one will find a listing by state of ocean conservation groups, marine schools and science centers, U.S. coastal and ocean parks, and government agencies responsible for the oceans. Described briefly are hundreds of related organizations with which concerned parties can become involved. Included are the addresses of local chapters of major environmental organizations like the Ocean Conservancy, the Audubon Society, the Sierra Club, the Surf Riders Foundation, and others. There is probably an organization in your city or state if you live in the United States. Many of the organizations Helvarg lists are concerned with sustainability and marine pollution, but surprisingly absent from this dense directory of concerned parties are vegetarian or vegan groups which argue not to eat fish at all, for moral or health reasons. Helvarg notes that one of the resources that we depend upon from the sea is protein, the consumption of seafood being an entrenched element of our American lifestyle. Helvarg describes us as a tempest-tossed people, a saltwater people, a coastal people. But there are probably some who would like to make their Blue Movement statement by not eating fish period, or only sustainable harvested fish. Despite there being a large number of groups listed, there is no mention of a name for those who do not eat fish for moral or health reasons in this marine conservation book either. How about nonpiscavore . However, there are many groups concerned with sustainability listed, and Helvarg includes their contact information. Helvarg's directory also describes marine parks, and ocean and estuarine nature preserves. Though the descriptions are brief, there is mention of