Humans a threat to ocean preserve (barf alert!)

Boston Globe ^ | May 28, 2007 | Brian MacQuarrie

[ConservativeStatement]

SCITUATE -- Just off the Massachusetts coast is one of the richest marine habitats in the United States, an arc of shallow ocean called Stellwagen Bank, where whales, tuna, cod, and dozens of other species have dined on an underwater smorgasbord for thousands of years.

Recognizing the critical importance of Stellwagen Bank in 1992, Congress designated the area a national marine sanctuary, a nature preserve where sea life and habitat would be protected while allowing compatible commercial uses such as fishing and whale watching.

But today Stellwagen Bank is a sanctuary in name only, according to conservationists and other observers.

Instead of creating an underwater park, critics said, its protectors have allowed the bank to become an industrial zone, where heavy fishing nets scrape the sea bottom to disrupt habitat for fish that are struggling to recover from overfishing. The nets can also tear apart historic shipwrecks resting on the sea bottom.

Whales that feed in Stellwagen are in danger of being struck by tankers and other large ships that pass through its waters or of being harassed by some of the more than 1 million whale watchers who visit each year.

[ConservativeStatement]

Damn humans, this world would be an OK place without them (sarcasm).

[chopperman]

We really do have a problem with the oceans. The fish and coral reefs are disappearing and the fish that are left are becoming contaminated with mercury and other industrial byproducts. This is something we can and should be addressing. This global warming crap is diverting our attention from things that are much more important. Encouraging fish farming in favor of today’s practices is necessary. Regarding the pollution, the most practical thing that can be done is to replace our coal fired generating plants with nuclear. This would free the coal supply so it can be liquefied for our transportation needs. Ironically, a byproduct of this policy would be reduced CO2 emissions.

[Screamname]

It would be a better place without humans....the liberal kind.

[freekitty]

I think this applies to only selected human beings.

[P-40]

This global warming crap is diverting our attention from things that are much more important.

Yup. Global Trashing is a lot more important that Global Warming...and you don't have to hire teams of scientists to tell you what is going on.

[Born to Conserve]

Too many people. Too many irresponsible people. The irresponsible people are out breeding the responsible people, leaving only irresponsible people. The Earth is doomed unless the responsible people assert authority over the irresponsible people. But this would be politically incorrect. The Earth is doomed.

[Frwy]

What do you say to a global Jonestown. Our last act to save the planet. But I don’t drink Kool Aid. I’m diabetic.

[dogbrain]

I see you're referring to "liberals" as humans.
Actually, they (liberals) exhibit behaviors more associated with domestic cattle.

1. They have a "herd mentality" and are unable to think for themselves.

2. They are easily spooked by anything which could spell D.A.N.G.E.R.

3. They rely on others to provide food, water, shelter, medicine.

4. They will crap anywhere because someone will eventually shovel it out.

[roaddog727]

Yep-er-oo.

Global trashing can be stopped very easily though changes in attitude and behavior.

[metesky]

Fifteen hundred years from now we’ll be fishing the Nantucket/Martha’s Vineyard Bank. It’ll be a lot closer to home.

[DesScorp]

Actually, the oceans ARE in danger, especially fish stocks. What may surprise you is that the largest danger comes from Europe, not the US. The European appetite for fish is so great, they're depleting world fish stocks. Nile Perch from Africa are too expensive for Africans because Europe wants them. Africans are literally reduced to buying the stripped fish carcases from the fish factories around Lake Victoria, because they cant afford whole fish. Spain eats more seafood per person than we do with beef and pork combined.

[P-40]

Global trashing can be stopped very easily though changes in attitude and behavior.

I think it can be...especially if the message delivered to the people regarding the problem is kept sane, rational, and strictly fact-based and free of hype. Basically, just the opposite of what Al Gore is doing...although he is doing great harm to the anti-Global Trashing movement.

[roaddog727]

“...especially if the message delivered to the people regarding the problem is kept sane, rational, and strictly fact-based and free of hype.”

Spot on.

I suppose Al got pushed out of his attempt to get into recycling/waste management by Vito and his goom-bahs......

:-)