Nautilus Reels, in collaboration with the S. Kent Rockwell Foundation, has created a limited edition ‘No Pebble Mine XM reel’, with its sales helping to benefit the Sportsman’s Alliance of Alaska (SAA) and its efforts to protect Bristol Bay and the world class salmon fishery from a potentially devastating mining project.
Only 25 individually numbered reels are available and, thanks to a donation from S Kent Rockwell Foundation, for every $375 reel sold, $500 will be donated to the SAA to continue its fight to protect Bristol Bay from Pebble Mine. In all, it is hoped to raise $12,500.
“One of our principal areas of focus as a foundation is conservation,” said Kris Rockwell, of the S. Kent Rockwell Foundation. “While it is important to fix places that have already been degraded, we must also fight to protect places that are wild and unspoiled. There is no better example of such a place than Bristol Bay. It’s a pleasure to combine efforts with a great brand like Nautilus on this limited edition reel to raise money that will be used to ensure Bristol Bay’s amazing natural and renewable resources are protected for generations to come.”
Scott Hed, Director at the SAA, said that the joint fundraising effort highlights the widespread commitment to protecting Bristol Bay. “It’s a well-known fact that Bristol Bay has support from all over the United States and beyond,” he added. “When a fly reel maker from Florida partners with a generous donor from Pennsylvania to defend this amazing fishery in Alaska, that is just the latest example of how important this fishery is.”
For Nautilus Reels owner, Kristen Mustad, the effort to protect Bristol Bay is critical. “We’ve got the No Pebble Mine flag proudly flying in our machine shop,” he said. “When this opportunity came up to raise some money to support the fight, it was a total no-brainer – and the matching funds component just puts it over the top. We are thrilled to partner with the S Kent Rockwell Foundation and SAA – and we are not backing down until the future of Bristol Bay is secured.”
Source: www.angling-international.com.