SaltyCajun.com - Independence Island

Louisiana is known as a "Sportsman's Paradise," but over the years coastal subsidence has left former popular fishing destinations no longer viable. Louisiana Governor Bobby Jindal, the Coastal Conservation Association (CCA) and Shell are hoping that their new public-private partnership will turn things around. The partnership brings together the recreational angling community, private business and the state to assist CCA's ongoing Building Conservation Habitat Program.
Governor Jindal said, "Our marsh is the heart and soul of Louisiana. Louisiana sportsmen know better than anyone the need to give something back to the environment so that we can continue to enjoy it while preserving this heritage for our children and grandchildren."
With conservation as their focus, the group hopes to resurrect former emergent areas to their previous form. Shell committed $1.5 million to the project. Slated at the top of the list for conservation assistance is Independence Island – an island in Barataria Bay near Grand Isle. There, the Building Conservation Habitat Program will install two reefs consisting of 3,500 tons of limestone that will create a hard-structure habitat for marine fisheries. Doing this will eventually draw recreational species and provide new opportunities for Grand Isle anglers.
John Hollowell, Upstream Americas Executive Vice President Deep Water, was present at the press conference and had this to say, "Shell has a long history of support for environment and habitat projects, and our thousands of employees in Louisiana are excited about the possibilities of this partnership. CCA members have an amazing track record of conservation work that sets them apart. We believe in the organization and are committed to doing our part to ensure that the Building Conservation Habitat Program has the tools to bring significant marine habitat restoration projects from concept to reality."
"I applaud Shell and Governor Jindal for working with CCA to spearhead this project, and I look forward to our continued work in conserving and enhancing our coastal fisheries," commented David Cresson, Executive Director and CEO of CCA Louisiana. CCA National President Patrick Murray added, "This partnership combines the grassroots strength of CCA with the resources of Shell to allow our members to take the Building Conservation Habitat Program to new levels."