FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Fishermen in the Business of Chasing Fish, Not Oil

Bristol, TN- June 24, 2010- Fifteen years after the tragic oil spill of 1989 by the Exxon Valdez in Alaska, creativity and humor have brought the people of Kodiak Island, Alaska, through some very dark days.

Michael Rostad, former editor of The Kadiak Times and co-publisher and editor of The Kodiak Fisherman recalls how local fishermen, who usually relied on ingenuity in chasing fish, came up with ideas on capturing oil on the loose. "Young people from the lower 48, who normally converged on Kodiak Island in summer to go salmon fishing, came to clean up oil. One fisherman turned oil-cleanup crewman, complained that many of the youngsters had no wilderness savvy. One kid was given a can of bear repellant to protect himself. When a bear finally showed up, the kid sprayed himself instead of the bear. He suffered from third degree burns and had to be rushed to the hospital."

Rostad shares in his new book Close to My Heart- Writing and Living Stories on Kodiak Island, Alaska (Aaron Book Publishing 358 pp. $19.95) what makes this island where fishermen do battle with wind and waves an exceptional place. "Kodiak Island's real wealth is her people." says Rostad of his home "Hopefully the tragic spill of 1989 taught oil companies, government agencies and other entities lessons about preparedness, caution and respect for the environment as well as the people whose living depends on it."

Michael Rostad has free lanced for the Kodiak Daily Mirror, Alaska Fishermen's Journal, Pacific Fisherman and The Fishermen's News. His book is now available in bookstores nationwide.

Interview Contact: Lidany Rouse, Aaron Book Publishing
Telephone: 423-212-1208
Lidany.Rouse@Aaronbookpublishing.com
www.Aaronbookpublishing.com

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