USGS shows how lethal mercury accumulates in the oceans.
A report from US Geological Survey (USGS) documents the migration of mercury as an industrial airborne pollutant to the water, where it then spreads through the ocean and into marine life. Previous studies have shown that 75 percent of human mercury exposure originates from consumption of marine animals such as fish and shellfish. Furthermore, the USGS found that water mercury levels had increased a full 30 percent from the mid-90s to 2006, with further increases likely. Mercury’s toxic effects include damage or even destruction of nerve tissue, with health concerns that can include lifelong impairment passed from expectant mothers to their children. The effect on aquatic life can be equally severe, involving stunted growth, physical deformities and shorter life span. Commending the breadth of the report, US Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar said, “We have always known that mercury can pose a risk; now we need to reduce the mercury emissions so that we can reduce the ocean mercury levels.”

US Geological Service scientists, many thanks for helping highlight the significant health risks of mercury for humans and sea animals alike. May everyone choose the safety of a seafood-free lifestyle as we strive to better the environment for ourselves and our aquatic co-inhabitants.

In a July 2008 videoconference, addressing dignitaries and guests at the "Heart-Touch Tour" exhibition in Formosa (Taiwan), Supreme Master Ching Hai reminded of the need to lead eco-conscious lifestyles to ensure the welfare of our marine co-inhabitants.


Right whales welcome a record number of new lives to the world.
This year’s birth of 39 baby calves, announced by US-based organization New England Aquarium, is much greater than the year 2000, when only one baby was born, and has surpassed the older record of 31. As some of the most endangered marine mammals on Earth, right whales number at less than 400 total. The babies were born near Georgia and Florida in the USA after the mothers had traveled 1,000 miles down the East Coast.

What uplifting news from New England Aquarium! We are so happy to know of the wondrous new life in the right whale community. With the grace of the Providence, may we work quickly to restore conditions that promote these and other beautiful marine mammals’ healthy lives.

Japan donates to keep Pacific island nations habitable.
As part of an ongoing effort to help fellow island countries cope with global warming, Japan pledged US$528 million, to be used primarily for generating solar power and providing clean water through desalination. This contribution, which represents an increased amount over the one made three years ago, was announced at the fifth Pacific Leaders Meeting in northern Japan. Prime Minister Aso’s spokesman stated, “Climate change is a life and death issue. It's about the survival of island countries.”

Japan, Heaven smiles on your kind generosity toward Pacific island brethren. Surely such caring efforts will inspire renewed hope and strength as we all strive to improve conditions for other beings on the planet.