News Release

Solar-powered catamaran to travel along Kinder Morgan tanker route

NORTH VANCOUVER - This weekend, a diverse crew of climate activists sets off on a two-week solar- and wind-powered catamaran journey, visiting six different communities along the Kinder Morgan tanker route through the Salish Sea.

The goal of the tour is to celebrate the beauty and ecology of the Salish Sea, discuss how communities can take action to protect these waters from the threat of an oil spill and share stories of how community members are already taking on the challenge of climate change locally.

“The tide is turning against fossil fuels, and nowhere is this more apparent than along the Salish Sea,” said Eoin Madden, Climate Campaigner with the Wilderness Committee. “Whether it’s Kinder Morgan’s tar sands tankers, new LNG terminals or increased coal exports, communities in this region are showing amazing climate leadership and fighting back against plans to turn the waterway into a carbon corridor.”

“The Salish Sea Tour will help connect coastal communities working to stop Kinder Morgan, and inspire them to action. By bringing the campaign to public docks and holding events on this unique solar-powered boat, we will reach new people and grow the movement,” said Ben West, Executive Director of Tanker Free BC.

The tour includes stops in Vancouver (Granville Island), Richmond (Steveston), Salt Spring Island, Pender Island and Victoria. At each stop, members of the public are invited to view the boat, visit an information booth and enjoy live music by local artist Luke Wallace. Evening events on Salt Spring Island, Pender Island and in Victoria will feature music, storytelling and discussion.

"Having grown up along the west coast, my music has always been rooted in and inspired by the natural beauty of the area. I am heading out on the Salish Sea Tour to connect communities through music and stories, knowing that together we can stand up and protect this coastline from tanker traffic and oil spills,” Wallace said.

The Salish Sea Tour will be documented through video, photographs and blogs, in order to build upon the shared experience and bring local community leaders, fishermen, mariners and non-traditional environmental voices to the forefront.

“I have worked on all kinds of boats in these waters since I was young, and I know firsthand how beautiful and teeming with life this area is,” said Simon Fawkes, captain of the solar-powered catamaran Aerial Sea. “I'm excited to be bringing a solar-powered boat to the public docks to share with fellow mariners what is possible, and how cool the alternatives can be.”

This afternoon, the catamaran will travel to Vancouver’s Sunset Beach, to stand in solidarity with the We > Tar Sands: Action for Jobs, Justice and the Climate event.

The Salish Sea Tour is organized by the Wilderness Committee, Tanker Free BC, Salish Sea Keepers and Luke Wallace. More details at www.Facebook.com/SalishSeaTour

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For more information, please contact:

Eoin Madden | Climate Campaigner, Wilderness Committee
(604)363-9603, eoin@wildernesscommittee.org

Ben West | Executive Director, Tanker Free BC
(604) 710-5340, ben@tankerfreebc.ca

Simon Fawkes | Captain, Aerial Sea (Salish Sea Keepers)
(604) 725-0600, sfawkes@bluecoral.ca

Luke Wallace | Musician
(778) 866-6147, lukewallace01@hotmail.com

Photographs of the vessel Aerial Sea available upon request.