Angler Outcry Urges Anheuser-Busch and West Marine to Drop Ties to Pro-Wilderness Group
by Forbes Darby
Alexandria, VA—In response to the grassroots efforts of outraged anglers, both Anheuser-Busch and West Marine have dropped their financial support for the Ocean Conservancy, a leading advocate of extreme ocean wilderness areas.
One of the world’s largest corporations, Anheuser-Busch has a long tradition of supporting recreational fishing and other outdoor sports. It is this tradition that has it reviewing its relationship with an environmental group that opposes federal pro-fishing legislation.
"Anheuser-Busch and Busch Entertainment Corporation have not, do not, nor never would support any activities to limit the rights of recreational fisherman," stated an Anheuser-Busch spokesman. "As with all recreational fisherman, Anheuser-Busch is committed to protecting the critical environmental resources upon which fishing depends."
Similarly, West Marine, a leading marine supply retailer, reexamined their association with the Ocean Conservancy after angry anglers threatened a boycott over the environmental group’s extreme policies. "We totally support the rights of recreational anglers and the ‘Freedom To Fish Act’…We do not support or endorse any [of the Ocean Conservancy’s] other positions or programs," read a statement from West Marine Founder, Randy Repass and John Edmondson, company CEO.
Since the Freedom To Fish campaign began in June, more than four thousand letters have flooded Congress in support of legislation urging common-sense use of marine protected areas.
