Three AFFTA members recognized for going carbon neutral.
Members of the Fly Fishing Climate Alliance (FFCA) commit to going “carbon neutral” by 2030. As defined by the World Resources Institute, “going carbon neutral” is achieving zero net anthropogenic (human caused or influenced) CO2 emissions annually and compensating for each ton of anthropogenic CO2 emitted with an equivalent amount of CO2 removed (e.g., via carbon sequestration). FFCA’s pathway to carbon neutrality includes:
Calculating your carbon footprint including greenhouse gas emissions such as heating/cooling, shipping, business travel, and the like.
Executing strategies to reduce carbon footprints, such as energy efficiency, renewable energy, and supply chain engagement.
Purchasing credible carbon offsets for the remaining balance.
FFCA recently announced its first Carbon Neutral award winners. To quote FFCA announcement, “these FFCA members have demonstrated their leadership by not just talking the talk but walking the walk by taking responsibility for their carbon footprint and achieving carbon neutrality.”
• Carbon Neutral Guide of the Year: Kyle Schaefer, Soul Fly Outfitters
• Carbon Neutral Shop of the Year: Emerald Water Anglers
• Carbon Neutral Brand of the Year: Rep Your Water
So why did these three opt to join FFCA and commit to going “carbon neutral?” We asked them directly.
Kyle, Kittery Point, ME. As a fly fishing guide, the effects of climate change are very apparent in our coastal communities. For us in Southern Maine, we're seeing more and more coastal flooding, and fish stocks are shifting as a result of changing water temps. In fact, over the past 30 years, the Gulf of Maine has been rising 99% faster than the rest of the world's oceans (Gulf of Maine Research Institute). Climate change is outpacing science and the proper management of our fish stocks. As a business owner and someone that makes their living off of the resource it's a duty of mine to reduce the impact I have as much as possible. It will take an enormous collective effort to reduce the impacts of climate change and I'm committed to being a part of the solution at Soul Fly Outfitters.
“Climate change is outpacing science and the proper management of our fish stocks.”
Dave McCoy, Emerald Water Anglers, Seattle, WA. As a fly shop and guide service, we are the conduit for industry consumers to be introduced to the sport and to learn firsthand what is impacting our fisheries and how to reduce these while still enjoying them. We have to be the ambassadors of the watersheds and the lands surrounding them so they can be there, in their current state or better for generations to come. By reducing our carbon footprint and going net zero/carbon neutral we are helping to keep the air and in turn the water cleaner and hopefully cooler for the fish dependent upon them.
In addition, as a single fly shop, can't do it alone. We felt it was time to take this step and help pave the road for other shops, guides, lodges, outfitters and manufacturers to follow suit. If we can collectively make our industry carbon neutral, this will manifest itself into other outdoor industries doing the same and that is when we can begin to have a real impact, but it begins with a first step.
We have to be the ambassadors of the watersheds and the lands surrounding them so they can be there, in their current state or better for generations to come.
Corine Doctor, co-owner, Rep Your Water, Erie, CO. For us it’s very simple, Garrison and I founded a business dedicated to providing uniquely designed, top quality gear for anglers and hunters while increasing support of local conservation and inspiring exploration. We know that climate change is real, and that it negatively affects our fisheries. Taking small steps by supporting projects that keep higher levels of carbon in the soil and out of the atmosphere is the least we can do to make up for the carbon that we emit as a business.
We know that climate change is real, and that it negatively affects our fisheries
The Fly Fishing Climate Alliance comprises fly fishing guides, shops, lodges, brands and nonprofits committed to going carbon neutral by 2030. To learn more, please visit: www.emergerstrategies.com, or email rcrawford@emergerstrategies.com.
Cover photo courtesy of Rep Your Water.