Anti-Arctic drilling activists try new form of protest

SEATTLE (AP) — When a flotilla of kayaktivists didn't stop Royal Dutch Shell's plans to drill in the Arctic Ocean, some opponents took to the phones to show their distaste.

The Seattle Times reports that shell.noblogs.org — a website devoted to opposing Shell's use of Elliott Bay — directed protesters to engage in an "electronic blockade" of local businesses supporting the oil company.

The blog provided phone numbers and email addresses of Shell affiliates to be targeted by protesters during business hours Monday. Protesters were told to tie up phone lines and flood inboxes to show their distaste.

Businesses targeted included the International Longshore and Warehouse Union Local 19, Jones Stevedoring, Carlile Trucking, Incident Catering Services and Foss Maritime Company.

A Foss spokesman says the campaign was only a minor nuisance Monday.