Pamela Suzanne Smyth, Oceanside Star, February 16, 2012

People feasted on locally grown shellfish Saturday as Coal Watch held its second-annual 'Plenty of Fish' extravaganza in cosy candlelit Fanny Bay Hall.

Over $7,500 was raised for their campaign to stop development of the Raven coal mine, which they say threatens marine harvesting zones in Baynes Sound.

The event, largely bereft of speeches, focused on appreciating a shellfish industry that employs 600 people and is expected to triple in the next decade, providing area waters remain free of mine tailings.

"This is an environmental haven for marine life, birds, animals and people," said Parksville-Qualicum NDP candidate Barry Avis. "Due to concerns, this event took no time to sell out. We hope the existing government doesn't sell out all that this region supports for the sake of short-term gain. "

People bid on auctions items throughout the elegantly presented five-course meal, and many purchased red-and-white t-shirts reading 'Another Radical Canadian.'

Edible dinner donations were provided by Macs Oysters, Fanny Bay Oysters, Baynes Sound Oysters, Pentlatch Seafoods, K'omoks First Nation's Sean Frank's geoduck, Hollie Wood Oysters and Deep Bay's Stellar Bay Shellfish.

© Oceanside Star 2012

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