Departments



Articles

Less

Editorial: "Eight is Enough" May Be Too Much
June 20th, 2002

Editorial: Cedar Key Plantation: Albatross or Opportunity
June 16th, 2002

Editorial: Hello Cedar Key Plantation, Goodbye Clam Beds
June 14th, 2002

Editorial: All`s Quiet on the Water Front
June 8th, 2002

Editorial: A Cop in Trouble
June 6th, 2002

Editorial: Community Redevelopment Wish Lists
June 3rd, 2002

Editorial: Heath Davis and the Power of Politics
May 19th, 2002

Editorial: Do We Need Another Hero?
May 16th, 2002

Editorial: Support Groups
May 8th, 2002

Editorial: Clarification of Speak Out
May 7th, 2002

Editorial: Introducing Our Editor
April 22nd, 2002


Editorial: Follow the Money

Editorial: Follow the Money

Editor

Giant Pandas, an endangered species, were in the headlines a few months ago when an earthquake caused landslides in the panda refuge. The entire population of pandas is about 1600. Destruction of suitable habitat is a major cause of a species becoming in danger of extinction, That is true particularly for large mammals where human populations press in on wild areas. Playful, cute pandas have admirers on a world-wide basis; therefore they are recipients of extensive conservation measures.

Beyond habitat destruction, species become endangered by man-made toxicants and economic exploitation. Pelicans, Bald Eagles, Peregrine Falcons and Ospreys are species that were destined for extinction by the use of DDT. Bird populations have recovered due to recognition of the problem and stopping DDT use.

The American Buffalo was near extinction under the double whammy of habitat loss and mindless exploitation by market hunters. Limits on hunting have allowed White-tail Deer to thrive in many areas over the past fifty years. Large mammals and humans can coexist. Conservation efforts have saved the California Sea Otter, Grey Whale and other marine mammals. These species draw tourists and tourist dollars.

The marine habitat would seem to be so vast that it could not be effectively poisoned or over-harvested. Yet respected scientists see carbon dioxide as a threat. Furthermore, the over-harvest of whales, anchovies and cod has proven the limits of even the oceanic resources.

Habitat destruction and over-harvest come from competing economic interests. Which brings us to the recent closure of grouper fishing? The short-term economic interests of both commercial and sports fishing industries are at stake. Locally we see the economic interest of a paper mill in Perry, FL resulting in dumping mill waste into the Gulf of Mexico. So, when the next conservation debate arises, keep in mind whose economic interest is behind the rhetoric.

Click for printer friendly version

Email this article to a friend

 

 

© 2013
Cedar Key News

cedarkeynews@gmail.com