Federal scientists have concluded that a plan to expand Port Everglades in Florida would not jeopardize endangered species or their habitat because it would replace and enhance thousands of corals and mangroves disrupted by dredging. For 17 years, city officials have been trying to expand, and finally, with this federal opinion, they should be able to proceed with expansion. … [Read more...]
When environmentalists are at odds with environmental government agencies
So, in preparing for this stakeholder meeting, one thing that I found interesting in my preliminary research of the issue was how environmentalists did not support the decision made by the environmental government agency in Australia. The obvious question is this—when, in theory, both the environmentalists and the environmental government agency should both be acting in the … [Read more...]
Reefs, Mangroves, and Ports
Coral reefs seem to always steal the spotlight when big costal development projects, such as ports, are proposed and it is easy to see why. It is a lot easier to make the case for the protection of coral reefs, which are beautiful, colorful, structures than for the protection of swampy mangroves. What most people don't know is that mangroves contribute greatly to reef health … [Read more...]
The Joys of Aquaculture
As one of our class's representatives of aquaculture stakeholders, I am here to tell you about the many advantages provided by aquaculture. First of all, aquaculture in Australia employs around 5000 people according to a report by the Australian Bureau of Statistics. The same report also states that aquaculture can be used to re-establish endangered and threatened species in … [Read more...]
Government Compromise in the Reef
In understanding the Abbot Point case, many views need to be considered in implementation of policy regarding the dredging. Taking on the position of a government environmental agency, my gut reaction was that we would be in opposition. As an environmental agency, shouldn't we not want anything to do with dredging and dumping wastes onto the Great Barrier Reef? Seemed simple to … [Read more...]