Metrokin, J. (2022, July 4). How to Protect Bristol Bay’s Salmon for the Long Haul. The New York Times. Retrieved August 28, 2022, from https://www.nytimes.com/2022/07/04/opinion/salmon-alaska-bristol-bay-pebble-mine.html?smid=url-share
Plans for a mine in Bristol Bay, Alaska, threaten the local salmon population by permanently disrupting roughly 100 miles of streams used by salmon during their spawning season. If made, the Pebble Mine would be one of the largest open pit mines, producing 10 billion tons of waste rock. The Environmental Protection Agency proposed in May 2022 to restrict the use of key watersheds as the disposal site for the mine. While a step in the right direction, legislation from Congress is needed to cut the plans. Doing so will conserve the 2.2 billion dollar salmon industry in Alaska.
This article shows the constant struggle between meeting the needs of our industrial society and restraining our exploitation of resources in the name of environmental conservation. I wholeheartedly agree with the opinion in the article that the E.P.A should continue its efforts to prevent the mine’s construction. Creating a few thousand mining jobs in lieu of maintaining a massive fishing industry and culture does not seem like a sound idea as already mentioned in the article. I wonder how any food supply issues would be mitigated if this project were to happen?
Excellent post, Alex. Did they article mention if the fishing industry is doing anything to battle this mining project? Alaska has a reputation as a model of sustainable fishing, which of course a pebble mine would contradict. Those fishers take their livelihood very seriously. I agree with your sentiments in the follow up paragraph entirely.
It really is upsetting how there’s a total disregard for not only the ecosystems and wildlife in these areas but also the impact a mine like that could have on the people working in the fisheries. Do you think Congress will approve their idea?
I find it interesting that there is still such a big struggle between the environment and the economy. There is clearly a stable way to go about this but people are always quick to go with the fastest way to make money. What is the Salmon Industry gonna do if congress doesn’t approve it?
I agree with you Alex! I also find it interesting that the Salmon business in Alaska produces 2.2 Billion dollars annually. The prevention of the mine’s construction needs to be brought to more attention. Do you think the mine will be made or are the appropriate steps being taken to prevent its construction?
Thanks for agreeing and thanks for reading!
I am not entirely sure if the mine is going to be built or not. However, if it were to be built, there is definitely going to be some sort of compromise in its operation as there is heavy opposition.
I agree at this point endangered environments and species should always be put over the populations economic endeavours. It is important for the government to step in in situations like these. Do you this mining company push back to be established in that area again?
I like this example of a way humans have dominated the natural flow in the environment. I struggle to believe that the people in charge of the state would allow this large company to destroy the land. I will look into this, thank you for sparking interest!