A Big Win for Safer Seafood -- and Another Step Toward a Mercury-Free Environment

Olin Corporation announced today that it will phase out the use of mercury in its chlor-akali manufacturing process in it's Charleston, Tennessee facility by the end of 2012. The company also plans to turn its Augusta, Georgia plant into a bleach plant and distribution center, discontinuing chlor-alkali manufacturing, and thus, mercury use.

The Tennessee facility is the largest mercury-based factory left in the US. Built in 1962, Olin Coprp's factory has consistently been the largest mercury emitter in the entire state of Tennessee. The factory, which produces chlorine and caustic soda, discharges mercury directly to the Hiwassee River and is likely the primary cause of the fish consumption advisory on that portion of the river.

Oceana has been working since 2005 to convince mercury-based chlorine plants to convert to cleaner technology. Since then, two factories have closed and three others are in the process of converting or have already converted to mercury-free technology.

There are now only two remaining plants using mercury -- Ashta Chemicals in Astabula, Ohio and PPG Industries in Natrium, West Virginia.

Mercury released to the environment from these plants end up in our waterways and ultimately the oceans, where it builds up in fish and other wildlife through a process known as 'bioaccumulation', where animals higher on the food chain, such as tuna and swordfish, carry the most mercury.

We all know that people exposed to mercury can experience health hazards, such as delayed neurological development in children. Both the FDA and the EPA have advised women of childbearing age and children to not eat certain types of fish due to high levels of mercury.

That said, we still wonder why FDA still allows the practice of dental mercury amalgam, as these deceptive "silver fillings" are placed only inches from the brain.

Congratulations, Oceana! Keep up the good fight!

OC

source: http://na.oceana.org/en/blog/2010/12/a-big-win-for-safer-seafood?utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=mercury

Proposition 21: Protect California's Parks

The California coast near Monterey.

California’s Parks System faced collapse last year and the picture for the coming years looks grim.

Enter Proposition 21, a statewide ballot initiative that offers hope to help ensure our 278 state parks and beaches stay up and running and our wildlife and marine resources are protected. Prop 21 establishes a stable, reliable and adequate funding source through an $18 increase in the California vehicle registration fee. These funds will be directly deposited into a State Parks and Wildlife Conservation Trust Fund and can only be used for operation of state parks and protection of ocean resources and wildlife.

This new funding source will help develop, operate, manage, and monitor the new network of marine protected areas being established along California’s coastline. The protection of our rivers, lakes, streams, coastal waters and marine resources will be better achieved through the $20 million per year this new fund will accrue.

And there’s a perk for Californians: All California vehicles will receive free vehicle admission, parking and day use in the State Park System.

Persistent underfunding of the State Parks and wildlife conservation has resulted in a backlog of more than a billion dollars in needed repairs and improvements. This backlog also threatens the closure of parks throughout the state and the loss of protection for many of the state’s most important natural and cultural resources, recreational opportunities and wildlife habitat.

So if you’re a resident of the Golden State, help preserve our natural resources and wildlife for future generations by voting Yes on Prop 21 on November 2.

For more information about this measure, visit http://www.yesforstateparks.com/

source: Oceana's Ashley Blacow is Oceana's Pacific Policy and Communications Coordinator.

Is Your Grocer on Oceana's Green List? Know Your Seafood

You've heard it from us over and over again......know your food source.

Oceana is the largest international organization focused solely on ocean conservation, and they've created awareness with grocers regarding mercury and seafood. Some larger grocers have opted to post warnings about mercury in seafood on Oceana's Green List. Those on the Red List do not.

http://na.oceana.org/en/living-blue/green-list

It is suggested that those who are mercury/heavy metal poisoned eliminate all seafood consumption, and those with recent dental work eliminate seafood consumption until the site is completely healed.

OC

Live BLUE!

Summer is upon us, and it's time many flock to the beach for a little respite. Next time you set up your 'camp' on your favorite beach, take a look at the ocean -- I mean, reeeeeally look at it....the color of the water, the blur of the horizon, and the endless sets of waves --- you can even smell the ocean in the air! It's awesome -- in the truest sense of the word. I was born in Michigan, and grew up summering at a lake. Yes, it was gorgeous, super clean and lots of fun. But it wasn't until I was 8 years old, when we moved to the East Coast, that I saw my first ocean -- the Atlantic. I still remember feeling my eyes opening wide and I was rendered speechless (imagine a quiet 8 year old girl). I couldn't wait to run and jump in!

Years later, I was 'boiled' by a set of waves when I was a gangly 12 year old learning to surf (LOL!) at the Jersey Shore. I was knocked off the board and flew head-first, hitting the sandy, rocky bottom, and helplessly tossing and rolling toward shore (at the wave's discretion), losing my bikini top in the process. I was knocked silly, but was totally humiliated later when I realized the lifeguards came charging down the beach to check on the condition of the blonde mess that washed up on shore, and handed me my top as the crowd looked on. I was reminded of how powerful a force that ocean was every day for about a week or so later, as the cuts and bruises healed. Humbling would be an understatement of the experience.

I have always lived at or on one ocean or another since college, but these days, it's on the Pacific. I go to the beach to walk, run, practice yoga, clear my mind, ease my mind, cry, pray, sing, think, sleep, picnic, party, build fires, reflect and even write --- and I watch the sets of waves, feeling their ebb and flow.

I'm inspired by everything about the ocean. I go and watch the sun come up when I'm visiting back East, and enjoy amazing sunsets when I'm home. Here, I've seen dolphins play, whales surface and little creatures crawl up on the beach. This is their home --- and I see myself as a guest in their world. That said, It breaks my heart when I see trash wash up on shore or people carelessly leave their picnic rubbish and cigarette butts behind in the wake of their 'good time'. Your tax dollars manage beaches, but who's taking care of the ocean?

Recent events in the Gulf have brought worldwide attention to our waters. We wonder what impact the BP spill will have on our future -- economically AND environmentally. Oceana is the world's largest non-profit organization dedicated to protecting the world's oceans.

June 8th is World's Ocean Day.

Oceana, founded in 2001, is the largest international organization focused solely on ocean conservation. Their offices in North America, Central America, South America and Europe work together on a limited number of strategic, directed campaigns to achieve measurable outcomes that will help return our oceans to former levels of abundance. They believe in the importance of science in identifying problems and solutions. Their scientists work closely with our teams of economists, lawyers and advocates to achieve tangible results for the oceans.

Oceana's website is chock full of varied and interesting information. Go to:

http://na.oceana.org/

to learn more about Oceana, and what you can do to live BLUE!

Enjoy a peaceful weekend.

OC