"Dude ..it is Crunch Time for our Oceans"

[ric kraszewski]

Dude ..It’s “Crunch Time” for Our Oceans


That is the message these San Diego surfers and eco snack entrepreneurs took to Washington DC on Tuesday. Whale Tails Tortilla Chips, a local San Diego organic tortilla chip company was invited to co sponsor the IFAW (International Fund for Animal Welfare) congressional reception in the atrium of the US capitol building.

Prior to the reception officials from IFAW, Pierce Brosnan, and his wife Keely Shaye Smith visited the White House to speak to cabinet members responsible for environmental and marine policy.

Following the cabinet meeting at the White House, IFAW hosted the reception for members of Congress that was sponsored by Whale Tails Tortilla Chips, Blue Q, Island Press, and Lush to boost a new bill on whale preservation. At the reception held in the Atrium of the US Capitol building US Congressman William Delahunt of Massachusetts said "I am optimistic that this legislation to protect whales would fare well in the House, where another co-sponsor of the bill, Eni Faleomavaega (D-Am Samoa), chairs the natural resources committee. And I am confident that President Obama would sign it. Congressman Delahunt suggested that the legislation was coming at an appropriate time, as the new administration has signaled it is in favor of stronger environmental protections.

Pierce Brosnan attended the reception wearing a blazer and open collar worthy of "007," and was a picture of Hollywood cool) Brosnan has worked on the issue of whale protection for over a decade. "Today was a step in the right direction, historic, uplifiting, long overdue," Brosnan said, "We have fresh hope, fresh enthusiasm, that everybody wants to do good things for this planet and for our children. " Mr. Brosnan is no stranger to lobbying for a cause. "Going out and just talking as actors, we can go on any stage in the world and have a great day, sometimes when you show yourself in the hallowed halls of the Capitol, it really does test your mettle. But I am sincere in saying that this is a cause I believe in very strongly."

Brosnan was joined by "Hardball" host Chris Matthews, who is a board member at IFAW and MC'd the reception. Mr Matthews introduced the speakers and was quick to point out his forty year friendship with Fred O'Regan CEO and President of IFAW International. Chris Matthews may be best known for his loud mouth and sometimes cantankerous demeanor, but the Hardball host is a big softy for animals.

Terry Kraszewski CEO of Whale Tails Tortilla Chips San Diego California, co sponsor of this one day event, said the new legislation, entitled "The International Whale Conservation and Protection Act of 2009", calls for the U.S. to "renew its whale conservation leadership worldwide. This legislation comprehensively addresses major threats to whales including commercial whaling, ship strikes, entanglement in fishing gear, ocean noise, and climate change." Jeff Flocken, IFAW DC Office Director, added "We must do all we can to protect whales both in our waters and abroad. As the critical June 2009 meeting of the International Whaling Commission rapidly approaches, it is crucial for our government to take the lead on opposing the resumption of commercial whaling, ending lethal scientific whaling, and supporting global whale conservation."


Whale protection is vital to the species' recovery and sustainability. With a new Administration in place, now is the perfect time for the U.S. to reestablish itself as a global leader in whale conservation and IFAW is the perfect organization to lead this effort.