Sunday, January 16, 2011

North Atlantic right whale freed from rope closely monitored - Randy Boswell

Rating: ***
This article illustrates an example of our impact on wildlife.
Canada’s most endangered species is the right whale. The world’s last group of North Atlantic right whales, populated at about 400, spend their summers near Nova Scotia. During the summer, the right whales feed and breed. The whales then migrate back to Florida waters. This year, one whale caught itself in over 50 metres of rope and other fishing equipment believed to be from Nova Scotia fishermen. The whale dragged itself with the tangled equipment all the way to Florida. Since the species is endangered, the Florida coast officials did their best to untangle the whale. It is now being closely monitored by officials, to ensure the whale is able to escape the remaining rope by itself.
The reason that the right whale is endangered is because of cases just like these. They get tangled in our fishing rope and equipment, and are unable to escape the trap. This is an example of how the way we life is strongly impacting another species. Ecosystems go through radical change when a part of the food chain is missing. Our actions and behaviours in the fishing industry are causing disruption in the ecosystem these whales belong too. It is so important to treat the environment with respect, and lessen your impact on our planet. These stories, like many stories, inspire me to lessen my own footprint on the environment. Over the course of the semester, I have read enough articles that got me thinking seriously about climate change. I have decided to create a plan of action that will lessen the impact my household has on our planet. This will include my energy use, recycling habits, and anything else I may discover in future research.
If our generation and future generations wish to experience the outdoors, we must learn to preserve it.
• Boswell, Randy. "North Atlantic right whale freed from rope closely monitored." Vancouver Sun. N.p., 5 Jan. 2011. Web. 11 Jan. 2011. .

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