TransparentSea Sails for Whales, Community & Environment
TransparentSea, an awareness campaign highlighting coastal environmental issues, recently embarked on the first phase of their California journey from Santa Barbara to Baja, Mexico. The group focuses on cetaceans - whales and dolphins - and the waters they inhabit. Their current mission traces the southern migration of the California Grey Whale along said route.
Alongside tracing whale migration, TransparentSea aims to engage key coastal community groups plus raise awareness of the groups' causes. This marks the second TranparentSea voyage, and Dave Rastovich, professional surfer and crew member, is pumped.
"I'm really excited about the upcoming second TransparentSea voyage," said Rastovich, according to OC Beach Blog. "Previous S4C (Surfers for Cetaceans) campaigns have focused on specific groups of people and industry that directly hunt vulnerable sea life. This journey is more about focusing on our collective impact. It's about shining a light on the health and future of the animals and coastal ecosystems that exist along one of the most densely populated and busy coastlines in the world." He continued, "California is a major surf industry hub and also where a lot of surfers take active roles in defending their coast, so it is a great privilege for our group to be able to join in those efforts and further the movement."
Last week, the crew launched from Gaviota Pier north of Santa Barbara and sailed down to Malibu, arriving on Friday, October 7. The goal of this first phase is to preserve the last remaining stretch of underdeveloped land in SoCal - a 20-mile zone on the Gaviota Coast.
Check out the short video below by Billabong USA capturing Part I of TransparentSea's voyage.
TransparentSea - Part I from Billabong USA on Vimeo.
Curious Californians (and any interested humans) can follow the crusading fleet's voyage via an online map. They currently appear to be near Rancho Palos Verdes.
Though the Santa Barbara and L.A. events have passed, the crew is slated for two more stops along their sail to Baja. Along with engaging local community campaigners and highlighting environmental issues, the events include discussion forums, education seminars, live music, film screens, and silent art auctions. Additionally, several beach cleanups are scheduled along the route in collaboration with Surfrider Foundation.
TransparentSea Voyage OC Party
Sunday, October 16
Ocean Institute Dana Point Harbor
Doors open at 5pm
$15; ticket proceeds donated to charity
TransparentSea Voyage SD Party
Sunday, October 23
Mission Bay Yacht Club, San Diego
Doors open at 5pm
$15; ticket proceeds donated to charity
Beach Cleanup
Sunday, October 16th
9am-12pm
Doheny Beach
Beach Cleanup
Sunday, Oct 23
9am-12pm
Pacific Beach @ Pacific Beach Drive/ PCH
