Rick Crawford
I have never been to Alaska, never fished Bristol Bay and never caught a salmon, but I do have a very clear understanding of ecosystem services and the vital role salmon play in supporting the Bristol Bay region’s economy, culture and cuisine. I also understand that without mining I wouldn’t be writing this article on my lap top, or using my cell phone later today to make calls. That being said, some places are worthy of being protected, and Bristol Bay is one of those special places.
According to Save Bristol Bay, the reason Bristol Bay still provides the world’s largest sockeye salmon runs on the planet, is able to support more than thirty Alaska Native Tribes that depend on the salmon for sustenance and culture and currently supports over 14,000 jobs from commercial fishermen to lodge owners is simple. Bristol Bay hasn’t been developed.
Here’s a quick video from Orvis and Save Bristol Bay explaining the details:
However, the Pebble Mine, which would be the largest mine in North America, as well as one of the largest mines in the world, and the reason Pebble Mine would also ruin the world’s largest sockeye salmon runs on the planet, take away the ability of more than thirty Alaska Native Tribes to catch salmon for sustenance and culture as well as take away over 14,000 American jobs is also simple. Every mine on the planet pollutes.
The question that remains is: do we, as a society, value nature and her ecosystem services enough to leave some places untouched and unspoiled? Because pressure to develop, mine, drill, frack are only going to continue to build as worldwide population grows. The reality is that we live on a planet with finite resources, and are at a crossroads that may determine the fate of the planet. So just like Marjory Stoneman Douglas said of the Everglades, Pebble Mine is another test. If we pass it, we may just get to keep the planet.
TAKE ACTION
As of March 1, 2019, there is a 90-Day Public Comment period to oppose the mine and we encourage you to take action by sending in your comments on the Save Bristol Bay site by clicking HERE.