Many fish are approaching commercial extinction because of overfishing. According to the International Union for the Conservation of Nature, bluefin tuna stocks have declined over 90%. Nevertheless, European representatives of an international commission responsible for protecting the species pushed for quotas 50% above what their own scientists said was the upper safe limit. This attempt to save a depressed European fishing industry could cause complete collapse of tuna stocks within a few years. Although bluefin tuna gets top dollar because it’s used for sushi, it’s our environment that’s getting a raw deal.
The worldwide use of fossil fuels puts billions of tons of carbon dioxide into our environment every year. Oceans soak up the carbon dioxide and become more acidic, endangering coral reefs and plankton. Now scientists have discovered the coastal water off Washington state is endangering mussels. The water is becoming acidic 10 times faster than expected, causing 10% to 20% fewer mussels than 8 years ago. Mussels provide shelter for animals along the tide line and are a key part of the food chain that includes the fish we eat – unless mussels become just food for thought.
When the slaughter of bison for food, pelts and sport reduced their number from 60 million to hundreds, 60 were shipped to Yellowstone Park. The rest were taken by ranchers, who crossbred them with cattle to increase cattle’s strength, leanness and ability to tolerate severe weather. That was good for the cattle; but most of today’s ½ million bison test positive for maternal cattle DNA, which could impair metabolism and offspring. Those bison are being shipped to commercial ranches and it’s hoped the purebred bison at Yellowstone can be used to restore the bison’s genetic heritage – and part of America’s heritage too.
Tuataras are part of New Zealand’s heritage. These dragon-like reptiles that grow up to 32 inches are the last of a species that walked Earth 225 million years ago. In the 1700’s tuataras were almost extinct on the country’s 3 main islands because of the introduction of rats and other predators. They’re not extinct because of the Karori Wildlife Sanctuary. Established in 1995 to breed native birds, insects and other creatures, the goal of the 620 predator-proof-fenced acres is to restore a small part of New Zealand to how it was before humans. For the first time in 200 years tuatara eggs have been found – “eggselent” proof of success.
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