N.J. canoeist completes East Coast feat for conservation

A woman who paddled her outrigger canoe from Florida to Maine to promote ocean conservation was met by a flotilla of small boats Friday as she completed her 2 1/2-month journey in the harbor of Camden, Maine. The 40-year-old mother of two set out on her solo coastal venture on May 7 in a 20-foot outrigger canoe that she said was made in China. Following the Intracoastal Waterway and hugging the Atlantic coast, Pellegrino paddled about 40 miles a day and stopped at 74 communities. Inspired by books she has read on the degradation of the ocean to what she believes is a precarious state, Pellegrino set out to elevate public awareness of such issues as dwindling fish populations, coastal pollution and coastal development. It included some speaking engagements, many interviews with publications - and even one appearance before the congressional Ocean Caucus.