Activists Link Hands across the Sand

NORTH WILDWOOD ­– Tarin Mason of Court House organized Hands Across the Sand, a worldwide grassroots movement in North Wildwood May 21. Hundreds of sites across the world gathered to “Say no to offshore oil drilling and yes to clean energy.” 
“Our tourism and fishermen depend on our oceans,” said Mason as she clasped hands with a small crowd of die-hard activists who braved bad weather. 
The event isn’t about politics, simply about protecting and preserving the coastal environment. Mason, who has traveled the nation and worked on some of the famous fishing boats in Alaska, is spreading awareness to ensure the oceans are protected for generations to come.
Among the group, her young daughter Grace, smiling despite raindrops and strong winds. Mason also discussed seismic air gun blasting and the importance of legislation protecting the Atlantic Ocean. Blasting can be heard up to 2,500 miles from the source and raises major concerns for marine wildlife. 
Nearly 1.4 million jobs rely on a healthy ocean ecosystem on the Atlantic Coast. The group hopes that the community standing together will not only raise awareness but help to preserve oceans. Mason is planning to organize other Hands Across the Sand events. 
For information about protecting oceans, visit oceana.org. For details and to get involved with Mason’s local Hands Across the Sand events, contact Johanna Hovik at jhovik@cmcherald.com.