Everyone wants a healthy biosphere. However, when it comes to making decisions to protect the biosphere, not everyone is in agreement. Often, the choices are not easy to make. What is good for some may have a negative impact on others.
Consider the fishing industry. For centuries, Stellwagen Bank was a highly productive fishing ground. It offered an abundance of cod, flounder, and tuna. A century ago, improved fishing gear, larger vessels, and new navigational aids increased the fleet’s affect on the banks. Over-exploitation of marketable fish, pollution from onshore activities, disturbances to the natural balance of the ecosystem, and even factors that scientists do not fully understand have contributed to the reduction of fish catches.
Today, there are restrictions that limit catch size and regulate fishing gear. Although these rules may help the ecosystem, they affect fishing communities. Some people can no longer make a living fishing, processing, or transporting these catches. Whole towns and neighborhoods are affected. Yet if no regulations are in place, the stocks might never return to a healthy level.
Do you eat fish? If so, you might be affecting the ecology of this region by removing critical species from these waters. Would you be willing to change your diet to help Stellwagen Bank maintain its healthy ecological balance?
Global temperatures are on the rise, and based upon historical records and scientific evidence, few disagree that our planet’s climate is changing. As Earth experiences a gradual increase in temperature, our biosphere will change in many different ways.
Scientists believe that climate change will disrupt the ecological balance of Stellwagen Bank. Some fear that even a minor increase in ocean temperature will negatively affect the plankton populations. If this occurs, the food web would change. Organisms, such as the endangered North Atlantic right whale, would face additional threats to its survival.
Knows as Parson's Chameleon, this was one of eleven chameleons that were used in an ecological forecast predicting the presence of several more chameleons in Madagasgar.
To slow the rise in global temperatures, alternative technologies like wind turbines are helping to decrease the need for fossil-fuel powered stations. However, there is controversy concerning the construction of offshore wind turbines. A major debate centers around a proposed wind farm project that would be located in waters south of Stellwagen Bank National Marine Sanctuary.
Opponents identify the potential impact on the offshore marine environment. They say the turbines could upset the ecology of the surroundings, produce noise pollution, and create navigational hazards. Proponents, or those in favor of the construction and wind farms, say these concerns are an example of a NIMBY (Not-in-My-Backyard) response. They believe that although opponents appreciate the need for wind power, they don’t want wind farms near them.
The fate of this wind farm project will be decided by the policy makers. Their decisions will be made based upon several factors, including the nation’s need for energy, public opinions about the source of our energy, and scientific data on the impact to the environment. Scientists like Dr. Hatch will be consulted to learn more about any potential impact that offshore wind farms have on the environment. Based upon these factors, a judgment will be made that some people will support and others will challenge.