A8
Tuesday, February 12, 2013
Maple Ridge & Pitt Meadows Times
Environment
Plastics are killing our oceans
When the dead chicks are collected and analyzed, it’s found that their stomachs are so full of non-nutrient plastic that they starved to death. Some of the things that have been found in Albatross chicks include cigarette lighters, plastic bottles, plastic bags, and multi-coloured plastic particles. And if that’s not enough to make you green, then maybe the second canary will. Our mussels are dying. by Gordy Robson On the coast of B.C., we have the beginnings of a great shellfish-farming industry, which is in deep trouble. s that great philosopher George It seems the ocean water around the Carlin used to say, “The planet Gulf Islands, which is pumped into the will be fine. It’s us as a species breeding tanks, kills the mussels. that’s f----d [in trouble].” The only way that the farms are conYears ago, miners took canaries down tinuing operation is because they treat the to the mines to give them advance warnseawater before they use it. ing of death. Two of the canaries in our Ocean acidification is a worldwide pheoceans are dying. nomenon linked to global warming. It was The first one is the albatross. identified as a serious threat to the shellThere are 21 kinds of albatrosses. The fish industry in Oregon and Washington Laysan albatross is a fascinating seabird more than five years ago. It is now known that spends almost its entire life flying as the dead zone, and has grown to hunover the Pacific Ocean. dreds of square miles. They spend so many Most scientists believe hours in the air that some Some oceanographers this imbalance is caused scientists believe they sleep by absorption of excess while they are flying. They predict that, at the CO2 from the atmosphere, eat on the surface and love current rate, by 2050 which lowers the pH level squid and fish eggs. most of our oceans and reduces the concentraSadly, they also end up tion of calcium carbonate. eating plastic. The plastic will be dead zones. Some oceanographers primarily comes from “the predict that, at the curpacific garbage patch” rent rate, most of our oceans will be dead which is the name given to a huge, circulating mass of garbage, primarily made up zones by 2050. So, again quoting George, mankind of plastics. will be known for the layer of plastic left With the help of four ocean currents, behind on planet earth. which create a gyre, the garbage continuJust saying... ously circulates around the Hawaiian Islands. As these plastics circulate, they break up to smaller and smaller pieces, all And a special thank you to one of my the way down into micro-particles. readers, Ron Armstrong, a historian from Unfortunately, when the Laysan Victoria who correctly pointed out that, Albatross return to their breeding ground in my story about BC Ferries, I gave on remote islands such as Midway, they ownership of Blackball Ferries to the CPR, are having problems raising their young. rather than correctly stating they were two Like penguins, they seem to mate for distinct ferry systems that were simultanlife. After they lay their usual one egg eously on strike. and the chick is born, parents go fishing, – Gordy Robson is a former Maple Ridge mayor and a local return with the food, and regurgitate it to businessman raised in this community. His opinion column the chick. appears Tuesdays in the print and/or online versions of The Unknowingly, the parents fill their TIMES. Questions and reactions can be emailed to Gordy c/o chicks’ belly with plastic. editorial@mrtimes.com.
Scan this page with
Just Saying
A
Sending thanks
@mrtimes
Follow on Twitter for the top headlines in Maple Ridge and Pitt Meadows
Hard to smile?
Not Satisfied with your present
Dentures?
C y
We can help!
DOG LICENCING In accordance with the City’s animal control bylaw, all dogs six (6) months old or older are required to have a licence.
Bob Shivji who has over 30 years of experience would like to introduce Milad Salasi to his Westwood Denture Clinic • • • • • • • •
The cost of the licence for 2013 is as follows: Until February 28 Spayed or Neutered $17.50 Not Spayed/Not Neutered $47.50
March 1 $35.00 $65.00
Finance Department 604.465.2423 May be paid by cash, cheque, debit, visa or mastercard at Municipal Hall 12007 Harris Road prior to February 28th, 2013
Complimentary consultation Complimentary clean and polish Walk-ins and repairs welcomed Complete dentures and partial dentures Denture over implants* Standard or Precision dentures 5 year warranty on Precision dentures We accept all dental plans
*Procedures to be completed in conjunction with a dentist.
Milad Salasi
DENTURE WEARERS
WESTWOOD DENTURE CLINIC
169-3000 Lougheed Highway, Coquitlam
604-468-4867 (Next to Superstore)