Arie Luyendyk Jr. Goes To Grenada For Conservation

RACE CAR DRIVER ARIE LUYENDYK JR. TACKLES CONSERVATION OF BIG BILL FISH OFF THE COAST OF GRENADA

- Indy Car Driver Greg Ray and the Oceanic Conservation Organization Host Educational Weekend On The Holo Kai' - 



(Scottsdale, AZ) -- Indy Racing League driver Arie Luyendyk Jr. took time away from preparing for the 2004 racing season to take part in an expedition to the Caribbean island of Grenada February 13-15 to explore issues related to the conservation of the ocean and its big bill fish.  

The outing was organized by the Oceanic Conservation Organization (OCO) in an attempt to educate and raise awareness for the plight of big bill fish and the efforts to conserve them and their environment.  Invited by fellow driver Greg Ray, who with the OCO promoted this trip to Grenada, Arie Jr. had the opportunity to see first-hand the effects the fishing industry has had on big bill fish, and what is actively being done to preserve these creatures and their ocean environment.  

The drivers, along with OCO representatives, took to the seas off of Grenada for two days of catch-and-release fishing, tagging anything they caught and releasing it back into the ocean for tracking.  Two boats were used for this expedition along with the 150-foot Mother Ship, the Holo Kai', for a home base.  Although education was a primary focus of the weekend, dinners and a few social activities awaited the onboard crew daily.  

"I was really pleased when Greg Ray called me to go on the fishing trip," stated Arie Jr.  "Grenada is a beautiful island.  I learned so much about the conservation of our oceans...and had some fun as well.  I also learned to fish a little - caught two tuna and a barracuda!  I met a lot of great people and was honored to get invited on such a wonderful and important trip.  I got a first-hand look at the Oceanic Conservation Organization's efforts.  What they are doing is so important.  I want to thank Greg and all of the people at the OCO for this opportunity.  It is something I will never forget."   
 

The OCO was founded by a group of individuals concerned with declining numbers of bill fish and other aquatic species. OCO is dedicated to the preservation of aquatic life, and their mission is to collect and share data among those concerned with oceanic conservation, and to influence other organizations to join OCO in its mission to save, protect and restore our global waters. 



"I was happy to be able to invite Arie Jr. on our trip to Grenada with the Oceanic Conservation Organization," said Greg Ray after returning to the United States.  "He is a great representative for the Indy Racing League, and I knew he'd be fun to have onboard.  Although we didn't get to spend as much time together as I had hoped, I know he was great with the other people we invited on the trip.  It was a learning experience for everyone, Arie included.  He not only got a chance to learn how to catch and release big bill fish, but he gained some understanding of the importance of preserving our oceans.  I appreciate that Arie Jr. took time out of his schedule preparing to race to come on our trip, and hope to be able to work more closely with him in the future."