In a letter dated 8/19/2010 to Interested Parties, Morgan Ahouse of the Sierra Club denies Taylor Shellfish accusations of "slander, defamation and wrongdoing" on the part of activist leader, Laura Hendricks, and urges Taylor to drop its legal threats. Key points of the letter include:
"This letter is to inform you that the Sierra Club is continuing to actively pursue our campaign to protect shoreline and nearshore habitat from the impacts of industrial aquaculture operations in Puget Sound. The health of Puget Sound, salmon and the organisms living within the Sound is closely linked to the health and viability of the nearshore environment in which commercial aquaculture operations are conducted. We continue to advocate for better regulation of the shellfish aquaculture industry so that commercial shellfish aquaculture operations are consistent with maintenance and preservation of Puget Sound nearshore habitat functions. The following specific goals are key to achieving more environmentally benign operations of shellfish aquaculture while we support recovery efforts:
"--Stop removal/destruction of native species and marine vegetation from our nearshore environment.
--Stop the introduction of plastics/PVC into our marine waters.
--Stop locating geoduck and oyster bag aquaculture in the nearshore.
--Stop the spraying of carbaryl and pesticides in the shoreline environment.
--Stop the permitting of large-scale aquaculture rafts in the subtidal zone.
"You may be aware that the Sierra Club received legal notice alleging that Sierra Club activists engaged in slander, defamation and wrong-doing. Our attorneys have thoroughly evaluated the allegations levied by Taylor Shellfish, and we have determined that neither Laura Hendricks nor any other Sierra Club activists have defamed or slandered Taylor Shellfish/industry or engaged in illegal or improper activities. Again, protection of the shoreline environment from impacts due to commercial aquaculture practices is a high priority for the Sierra Club and our activists. We appreciate the leadership role that Laura Hendricks has played in representing the Sierra Club on this issue. We recognize that our work and Laura Hendricks’ representation of our position have increased the public perception regarding the need for better regulations governing shellfish aquaculture practices, which may not be welcomed by the aquaculture industry. We have urged Taylor Shellfish to drop its legal threats."
Read the full text of the letter.
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