05/11/2009: "Shoreline Stewardship Award"

ig_Mike_Kaill-1 (36k image) The Shoreline Stewardship Award was presented to Dr. Mike Kaill of San Juan Island. Mike, through his own efforts, started testing stormwater outfalls in Friday Harbor and, as manager of the Spring Street Aquarium, has used it as his “canary in the coal mine” to gauge the health of the harbor.

After noticing a significant die-off in the animals within the aquarium (who live in water pulled straight from the Harbor), Mike used his own money to purchase an EPA-approved water testing kit to determine the cause of the problem.

After determining that the cause of the die-offs were high concentrations of soaps and detergents (surfactants), Mike began a tireless campaign to bring attention to the issue. He has encouraged the Town of Friday Harbor to look at their stormwater controls, and has encouraged businesses to not use storm-water drains for water loaded with soaps and detergents.

Eight Good Stewardship awards were presented at “Sustainable San Juans: Greening Your Home, Business and Food”, an Earthday event held Saturday in Friday Harbor. The awards were part of a three day celebration of environmental stewardship sponsored by the San Juan Stewardship Network and the San Juan Island Community Foundation .

Jack and Joan Giard ; Julian Glasser; Dr. Eugene Kozloff ; Peter Fisher ; Bob and Pat Jester ; Dr. Mike Kaill; Douglas, Joseph and Sam Bullock; and Lynn Danaher were the other award recipients; they and their photos will be featured in separate stories over the next few days.

Award recipients were presented with large pottery “Finny’s”, fish-shaped creations handcrafted by Crow Valley Pottery, and enjoyed a luncheon provided by Tom French and the Experience Food Project. More information on the Summit and the awards can be found on the Stewardship Network website, www. http://www.stewardshipsjc.org/summit.html