Costa’s ICAST sculpture sends out conservation message

Costa’s booth at ICAST is always an eye-catcher, but this year the premium sunglass brand added something special in the shape of a leaping tarpon, sculptured from waste materials removed from the ocean.

Known for its conservation and clean-up efforts, including its KickPlastic campaign, Costa commissioned UpSculpt artist, Cindy Pease Roe, to create the impressive model using a washed-up fishing pole, ropes and netting that tell the story of gear lost at sea.

Hundreds of pieces of plastic were used in the structure, which is set on a base of tropical hardwood repurposed by Roe from local New York dock builders.

The unique sculpture reminded the thousands of visitors to ICAST of the need to protect the ocean and its inhabitants. “By spreading the word and reducing our reliance on single-use plastic, we can all fight against ocean trash and help kick the plastic habit,” said Hannah Trotter for Costa.

• Don’t miss more about Costa and conservation on the Angling International special August ‘green’ issue.