Scientists
studying aquatic life in Canada’s Mackenzie River have found that
levels of toxic substances such as mercury, polychlorinated biphenyls
(PCBs) and the damaging insecticide DDT have risen dramatically in
recent years.
Over just the past decade, the mercury levels of
certain fish have increased by 160%, while PCBs have jumped to being six
times higher and DDT has tripled.
Their rise is attributed to Arctic melt, with air-borne pollutant particles that were deposited over time in the
pristine environment now being released as temperatures warm and the ice continues to melt.
The
researchers believe that this has also led to a growth in the algae,
zooplankton and other life forms that absorb the pollutants from the
water and are in turn consumed by the fish.
Canadian scientists, our appreciation for your work that again highlights the delicate interconnections of life
on our planet.
May
we show our deep respect for environmental balance by adopting the
organic, vegan diet. Supreme Master Ching Hai, who has frequently
addressed the importance of every being’s existence on Earth, spoke once
more of our need to be good environmental stewards during a May 2009
videoconference in Togo.
Supreme Master Ching Hai:
The marine ecosystem is in big trouble right now from global warming
already. Further fishing will only make matters worse. Also, mercury
poisoning causes problems to aquatic life even before it gets to the
humans. These are things we need to address in trying to save our
planet, not to talk about our health also. Eating fish will definitely
not help this.
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. But if we ruin the ecosystems , this will spell disaster for
us.
Supreme Master Ching Hai: It’s better for our body, for our conscience, for our mind, and for the planet to stay away from fish. We should be vegan.
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/national/mackenzie-rivers-fish-contaminated-with-dangerous-toxins-scientists/article1462248/