The
Ecuadorian Galapagos Islands were first brought to the world’s
attention as the site where Darwin tested his theory of evolution. Now,
they are speaking of the fragile state of our seas as a new report in
the journal Global Change Biology indicates that the Galapagos
black-spotted damselfish , and a remarkable
24-rayed starfish called
Heliaster solaris are likely extinct as they have not been seen in the
last 25 years.
Rising ocean temperatures caused by global
warming-induced El Niño weather events as well as excessive fishing are
blamed for their disappearance as well as the decline of other species
such as the Galapagos penguin and the Floreana cup coral.
According
to the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List,
seven species from this famous ecosystem are possibly extinct while nine
others are critically endangered.
We are saddened to know of the
perilous condition of the Galapagos and all marine life. Let us all act
now to avert more losses by adopting considerate lifestyles that are in
harmony with nature.
During a May 2009 videoconference in Togo,
while addressing the urgent need to act on the crisis facing our marine
co-inhabitants, Supreme Master Ching Hai again called on all humanity to
turn to life-sparing ways.
Supreme
Master Ching Hai: The marine ecosystem is in big trouble right
now from global warming already. If those fish are all gone, we will see
a catastrophic loss of other marine species as well. The coastal
ecosystems will also be affected greatly by diseases and algae blooms
that release toxins. The ocean is a wonderful recycler that normally can
purify the water and create nutrients and turn carbon dioxide into
oxygen, etc. The ocean is a miracle.
Supreme Master Ching Hai: It is in our interest to care
for the oceans if we want to survive, and all the life that they
contain, including fish. No animal products at all; that is the best
way. We should be vegan.
http://www.nhk.or.jp/daily/english/04_14.html
http://news.mongabay.com/2009/1203-hance_galapagos.html
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