Letters

To the Editor:

“The algal blooms are directly linked to the warming of Arctic waters,” stated a recent article in the Nome Nugget. The article addresses the increased numbers of algal blooms being found in clams and other shellfish, causing them to be toxic to eat. The root of the algal bloom increase is the Arctic waters warming, but what is the source of the ocean temperatures rising? This answer is not one simple thing. However, a concerning contributor is plastic pollution; 99 percent of plastics are derived from fossil fuels. The process of making plastic as well as incineration facilities where plastic is burned down as a waste product, emit mass amounts of pollutants into the atmosphere that impact the global temperature which raises the ocean temperatures as well. The debris itself is contaminating marine life and the food we eat like shellfish. Microplastics and plastic fibers are being consumed by shellfish globally and like the toxic algal blooms, they can’t be cooked or frozen out. As a result, marine life and humans are being contaminated by harmful additives and chemicals on a daily basis. Action needs to be taken to promote awareness of the plastic crisis as well as taking the necessary steps to reduce our plastic footprint. By moving towards other alternatives such as giving up plastic straws in exchange for reusable straws, using reusable bags, and educating ourselves and the public about plastic pollution, we can all make an impact and help save our oceans as well as the precious life within.

Isabella Nelson

1 College Drive

Bennington, VT 05201