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Department of Ecology News Release - October 5, 2007
07-297
OLYMPIA - Lummi Island Wild will receive the 2007 Governor's Award for Pollution Prevention and Sustainable Practices in a ceremony at the state capitol on Oct. 9. The commercial fishing business is among 11 companies and agencies Washington is recognizing this year for their success in moving the state towards a more sustainable future.
"These winners represent the best of the best at protecting the environment while running profitable businesses," said Jay Manning, Department of Ecology Director. "I never fail to be impressed by the creativity and vision displayed by these award winners. They show that in Washington you can protect the environment and succeed commercially at the same time."
Lummi Island Wild, of Lummi Island, uses the ancient art of reefnet wild salmon fishing to help shape the future of the Pacific Northwest salmon fishery. They use selective and sustainable methods, catching only targeted species while returning protected or unwanted species to Puget Sound unharmed. The company's innovative live well system also helps protect vulnerable species while supplying fresh, sustainably caught salmon to market.
In 2007, the company mixed modern and traditional technology and became the world's first solar-powered fishery. They collaborated with Alpha Energy to install solar panels on the boats. The panels charge the batteries for the net winches. The salmon fishers are now "off the grid," and no longer risk a spill from carrying auto batteries across Puget Sound waters.
They started a reef net festival as a fundraiser for the Lummi and Lopez island communities. The Coop's "Chef's in Raingear" program draws hundreds of chefs and restauranteurs from across the country to "get involved with your ingredients" and experience the benefits of sustainable fishing. www.lummiislandwild.com/
Overall, the state award winners reduced or even eliminated their use of toxic materials, applied key principles of sustainability, and conserved resources that otherwise would have been consumed.
They demonstrated excellence and leadership through their commitment to environmental quality and their willingness to share their knowledge of pollution prevention and sustainable practices. Sustainable practices allow a facility to meet its needs, without jeopardizing the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.
An external panel of judges selected the winners from finalists reviewed by Ecology staff. The judges are past winners, pollution-prevention experts, and representatives from business, labor and environmental groups, and academia.
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Media Contacts: Mariann Cook-Andrews, Hazardous Waste Program, 360-407-6740
For more information: Governor's Award for Pollution Prevention and Sustainable Practices website: http://www.ecy.wa.gov/programs/hwtr/GovAward/index.html
Copyright © Washington State Department of Ecology. See http://www.ecy.wa.gov/copyright.html.
