CCA-SC enhances efforts with Shimano North American Fishing financial support

Scott Whitaker (left), executive director of CCA SC, accepts Shimano's donation from Shimano North American Fishing's vice president Steve Ferrara (right).

Shimano donation being used for habitat restoration and research

The first efforts from Shimano’s recently announced financial support to conservation projects has started, with Coastal Conservation Association South Carolina designating its contribution to habitat restoration and research.

“The support that Shimano is providing to the CCA SC Habitat Initiative will allow our organization flexibility in a range of efforts from on the ground inshore habitat, near shore and off-shore reefing,” said Scott Whitaker, executive director of CCA South Carolina. “We’ll also be allocating some of the funding for scientific research to further our understanding of fisheries and their wise stewardship.”

While visiting Shimano’s South Carolina fishing division offices and distribution center to accept the Shimano funds, Whitaker stated “since moving its fishing operations to the North Charleston area, Shimano immediately engaged the recreational fishing community. The company continues its commitment to healthy marine resources, as evidenced by its past involvement with CCA California. The level of enthusiasm and support from Shimano for the work that CCA SC is doing has been overwhelming. We are honored to have the company – and more importantly, our fellow South Carolina residents as our partners”.

To commemorate the more than 50 years Shimano has had a presence in the United States, the company is making major financial contributions to support the advocacy efforts of recreational fishing groups. Also included in Shimano’s financial support is Coastal Conservation Association California, and the American Sportfishing Association’s Keep Florida Fishing efforts, an early initiative of Shimano North American Fishing, Inc. president Dave Pfeiffer when he served on the ASA Board of Directors.