Bass Pro, Columbia Sportswear co-sponsor conservation effort

Bass Pro Shops is supporting seagrass protection and restoration by partnering with Columbia Sportswear Co. for the release of a special line of Columbia fishing gear.

Carrying the special line, beginning June 2 at Bass Pro locations in Islamorada, Miami and Fort Meyers, Fla., is part of the retailer's efforts to support The Ocean Foundation's SeaGrass Grow program, which provides funding to groups who work to conserve and restore seagrass across the globe damaged by human activities such as boat groundings and propeller scarring.

Bass Pro spokesman Larry Whiteley said part of the proceeds from sales of the special line will go toward the campaign.

Bass Pro is also aiding the campaign financially through co-sponsorship of a seagrass restoration demonstration in the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary.

Whiteley said Bass Pro Shops began supporting the campaign last year.

“We are a very conservation-minded company,” he said.

He said Bass Pro Shops is also helping to educate boaters about the potential damage they can cause to seagrass beds through signs in the store and handouts.

According to a news release from The Ocean Foundation, seagrasses are home to many types of marine life and help keep the ocean floor steady against coastline-damaging storms.[[In-content Ad]]