Plastic Free Fishing Tournament and Cleanup Supported Goal to Remove and Divert 54 Tons of Ocean Plastic and Waste from Florida Waters for Super Bowl LIV
KEY WEST, Fla., November 4, 2019– As part of Ocean Conservancy’s goal with the Miami Super Bowl Host Committee’s Ocean to Everglades initiative to remove and divert 54 tons of waste from Florida’s coasts and waterways, Ocean Conservancy and the Lower Keys Guides Association (LKGA) organized a combined fishing and cleanup tournament from Nov. 1-4 in the Lower Keys.
The weekend began with the “Sugarloaf Showdown,” an annual fishing tournament led by the LKGA, and was followed by a boat-based cleanup to remove trash from the ocean and remote islands. The LKGA eliminated single use plastics at the competition for the first time, and disabled veterans group Project Healing Waters Fly Fishing (PHWFF) also participated in both tournaments as a tribute to their service in honor of the upcoming Veterans Day.
“Florida is the sportfishing capital of the world and the Keys are a perfect illustration of why that is the case,” said Jeff Barger, Associate Director, Constituent Outreach, Ocean Conservancy. “Our fishing partners, residents of the Keys and the state, depend on healthy fisheries.
The Sugarloaf Showdown is a fantastic opportunity to enjoy these treasures while highlighting some of the challenges the ocean faces as we continue towards our goals for Super Bowl LIV.”
