The article on Bristol Bay was very interesting because it incorporated a modern hot topic issue that deals with the environment versus the economy. Bristol Bay holds a vast amount of salmon, that instinctively swim up the streams to reproduce and die in the Bristol Bay sanctuary. Bristol Bay is one of North America’s largest king salmon run. The salmon run is the voyage the salmon makes as they swim against the currents to go upstream to reproduce. Not only does Bristol Bay hold one of the largest salmon runs, but it also holds a wealth of gold and copper, which could be possibly the largest deposit in the world. The poses a problem, however, of which is more important, the recent ever changing economy or the ancient salmon run. Some argue that the economy is more important, because the gold deposit could offer up to 3,000 more new jobs. In an economic recession, many argue this would be a major boost to the stagnant economy. Others argue that the environment is very important, and mining for the deposits should not be done because it will disrupt the salmon run. The salmon run brings in revenue and food as well, and if mining takes place, the entire ancient practice is put at risk.
I found the article very interesting because it incorporated a crucial issue in a time where the economy is down, and any source of jobs is seen as great, even if it is putting the environment at risk. I found the entire concept of the “salmon run” fascinating since I had no idea how ancient and instinctual this practice is for the salmons. I also found it interesting that setting up the mines in the Bristol Bay could potentially stop the entire ancient practice all together. This issue needs to be brought to the general public’s awareness because the decision on Bristol Bay could effect millions of people. Alaska holds the potential for 3000 more jobs, gold ore, copper ore, and much needed revenue from businesses that will sprout up because of the mines, which greatly effects the general public and the economy. Also, Alaska holds a sanctuary full of millions of trout and salmon which support Alaska’s ecosystem during the warmer months. The indigenous people of Bristol Bay have relied on the salmon run to bring in food and income, and if the mine is created, their entire reliance on the Bay will be at stake. Without the salmon spawning, the ecosystem will collapse and the food supply for many species and humans will deplete greatly and may eventually disappear. Now Alaska is awaiting the decision of whether to leave the bay as it is now, and not disrupt the villages and salmon who depend on the peaceful water, or create a mine that could create many jobs and lots of money.
I found this article about the salmon run in Bristol Bay to be vey interesting. We are often faced with the question of whether to put our environment first or our economy. Like Tasha pointed out, we are in difficult times economically and when we are making these types of decisions, we often put the ecomony first in hopes of stimulating the ecomony, however this is at the cost of the environment. The salmon run is a very important part of the salmon's life cycle. If they were to decide to begin mining in that area, it would completely disrupt this important part of their life cycle. Although mining would possibly boost the economy, I think that the environmental costs would far outweigh the benefits. The salmon are certainly a huge part of the economy for those around bristol bay. If their life cycle is disrupted, the salmon population would drastically decrease and their economy would drop even more, as would the environment.I hope that those around Bristol Bay make a decision that will be friendly to their surrounding environment and ecosystems.
ReplyDelete