Thriving Oceans

A little notoriety can’t hurt anyone as everyone strives for their 15 minutes of fame, right? On the other hand, Undaria pinnatifida is rather on the infamous side as its picture is filling wanted posters and putting ecologists on alert.  Already appearing on the IUCN’s 100 of the World’s Worst Invasive Alien Species and considered in the top 10 invasive seaweeds, Undaria has established itself somewhat locally to my home front in San Francisco. 

The kelp (Undaria pinnatifida) is native to Japan where it is cultivated for human consumption. It is an opportunistic weed which spreads mainly by fouling ship hulls. It forms dense underwater forests, resulting in competition for light and space which may lead to the exclusion or displacement of native plant and animal species (Global Invasive Species Database).

As with many other invasive marine species, this exotic kelp is believed to have hitched a ride on ships, which has allowed it to establish itself from Southern California to Monterey.  According to a San Francisco Chronicle piece, “…the U.S. infestation, only on the Pacific Coast, had stopped its northern march at Monterey’s harbor. Crews pulled it out from the Monterey harbor every month for six years until funds ran out last year.”

Perhaps the recent migration and sightings in San Francisco marinas is a direct result of halting of the Undaria culling program in Monterey.  As funds dried up to remove the invasive kelp from the marinas, it was allowed to grow unchecked while simultaneously releasing millions of spores. Plus, boats traveling from Monterey marinas to San Francisco marinas could potentially be a mode of transportation.

Additional theories include: harbors that are less polluted, boat paints that include fewer pesticides, and faster ocean going commercial vessels.

S.F. Chronicle: Kelp among top 10 invasive seaweeds hits S.F.

Well if you haven’t heard the news that a federal court has upheld protections for the threatened marbled murrelet…now you have.  But what I found most intriguing was the short AP piece released on July 8th that describes the breaking news for this old growth nesting seabird.  As I first read the article I took it simply as an announcement of the decision, especially since it contained no more than 123 words. However, it was the last sentence that spoke volumes  and initiated my ‘WHAT!’ response.

“Partin adds the council continues to believe that food shortages in the ocean are a bigger problem for the birds than limited nesting habitat.” (Associated Press)

Tom Partin of the American Forest Resource Council, was reported to have contributed the above response after learning that the court dismissed the timber industry’s lawsuit aimed at removing murrelet protections in the Pacific Northwest.

The ironic part of the council’s belief is in the term ‘bigger problem.’  So if I understand correctly the American Forest Resource Council does recognize that the felling of old growth trees upon which murrelets need for nesting is still a problem. And if it is indeed a problem in their view then I am left scratching my head as to why the lawsuit to remove the seabird’s protection was justified. Especially since we would not want to compound one problem (ocean food shortage) with another (limited nesting habitat). If this was valid logic I could have avoided a speeding ticket by telling the officer that I was not going as fast as the other cars in front of me.

Speaking about beliefs, I contend that we are witnessing a cold hard case of semantics in which pointing the finger at another industry/issue dismisses your contribution to the problem in an attempt to salvage profits.

*The American Forest Resource Council ‘s website includes a member list of 70 logging and timber product companies.

Data: The Center for Responsive Politics (July 9,2009)

Original AP Article: Court dismisses challenge to seabird protection

It definitely took longer than I expected to get back in the swing of a daily routine after a one week stay in Maui, followed up by a weeklong business excursion to San Diego (of which began 14 hours after returning home), and finally returning home to a rather unproductive work week that culminated with a celebration of independence.

So with that said, and my apologies to delayed email responses, I decided to start anew with some information that may or may not have already circled through the web.  Just as I left for the islands, The End of the Line officially premiered, bringing the plight of our fisheries to the big screens of the world.  And wouldn’t you know it, but I missed the local showings while I was traveling.  However, I like the message so I am looking for any feedback from those you have managed to catch a viewing.

Additionally, the film is more than a movie but a campaign of which is self-described:

The End of the Line is not against fishing. It is not against eating fish. But it is for a responsible attitude  towards the oceans. The film has three messages for consumers, citizens and companies:

Ask before you buy: only eat sustainable seafood.
Tell politicians: respect the science, cut the fishing fleet
Join the campaign for marine protected areas and responsible fishing

So check out the website to find a local screening, make sure you grab a safe seafood list, and ‘Sign Up and Claim Your Piece of Ocean’.

Here’s the trailer…