Thriving Oceans

[Atlantic bluefin tuna]…the adult breeding population had declined to 10% of what it had been twenty years ago, when regulation of the taking of these great ocean rangers began.  The population as a whole had been reduced by more than half, and most of of what remained were immature.  Stunned, I blurted out, ‘Are we trying to exterminate them? If so, congratulations!  We’re making great progress.’

Sylvia Earle, NOAA’s Chief Scientist 1990-1992 (in Sea Change, 1995)

Currently reading “Tuna: A Love Story” by Richard Ellis and just had to post this quote I found quite humorous-

[Tuna] Does it contain  mercury? Well, yes, but the scientists and the tuna industry are still arguing about how much is bad for you, and that means you can keep eating it.

The above reminds me of something my organic chemistry professor once told all of us regarding carcinogens we just happened to be working with…they are only suspected carcinogens so just be a bit careful.  As for me [the professor] they were definitely not carcinogens when I was in college so they are perfectly fine for me to handle with no worries.