Glen Raven, Inc., maker of Sunbrella® fabrics, the leading manufacturer of performance fabrics servicing the marine industry, and a longtime Bonefish & Tarpon Trust sponsor, has committed to a partnership supporting BTT’s Education Initiatives. BTT is a non-profit conservation organization working to conserve and restore bonefish, tarpon and permit fisheries and habitats through research, stewardship, education and advocacy. BTT’s education campaign focuses on educating anglers, guides and resource managers about threats to the flats fisheries.
“Educating the public about the many issues facing flats fisheries—from environmental threats to the impacts of improper fish handling—is an organizational priority,” said Jim McDuffie, Executive Director of Bonefish & Tarpon Trust. “We are grateful that Sunbrella recognizes the importance of these efforts and is stepping up to support us.”
Some of BTT’s recent work has included raising awareness about the water crisis in the state of Florida, catch-and-release education for anglers, and joining a coalition to stop gillnetting in Belize. “The threats to these fisheries are numerous and ongoing,” said Dr. Aaron Adams, BTT’s Director of Science and Conservation. “We need more companies like Sunbrella to take a stand and help protect these amazing fisheries for the future.”
Sunbrella has demonstrated a long-standing commitment to conservation and environmental causes, and is a leader in sustainability. Sunbrella manufacturing facilities are landfill free, have recently cut water consumption in half despite production growth, and capture solar energy with a solar array in Norlina, N.C. Sunbrella also supported the forthcoming documentary film Origin of the Sky, which aims to show the rich natural diversity as well as the environmental threats and conservation efforts in the Sian Ka’an Biosphere on the Yucatan Peninsula in Mexico.
“Supporting educational efforts like BTT’s will help us all enjoy the beauty and wonder of a healthy ecosystem for generations of future fishermen to come. We are passionate about it. It’s important to us individually and as a company,” said Allen E. Gant, Jr., CEO of Glen Raven, Inc.
The support of Sunbrella fabrics will enable BTT to continue to expand and diversify its education efforts and continue work to raise awareness about and conserve these remarkable flats fisheries for the future.
