Letters
Flying Fast
Ocean Acidification a Real Threat at WIRW
We generally don’t stray very far from our mission of
trying to provide you with excellent products and services
for your boat and boating lifestyle. We also usually keep our
political and social opinions to ourselves, believing it’s not
our place to solicit others, even when the cause is, in our
opinion, worthy.
Perhaps it’s that West Marine has reached the ripe old age
of 40, or perhaps it’s the state of some of the world’s natural
resources, but we feel compelled to make an exception to
P-1 Ullman Sails “FiberPath” FT 10M sails take
our normal policy and attempt to help raise the awareness
of some significant risks that this and future generations of
1,2 and 4 at Whidbey Island Race Week.
boaters are facing. J-105 Class 1st & 3rd
In this message today, we’re not seeking any business or
P-0 3rd Melges 30 Nemesis
other gain for West Marine. We’re simply trying to be good
stewards of the oceans and marine environments, for the
The alternative for fast, durable
benefit of all. and affordable sails in the Northwest
We hope you’ll accept our opinions, advice, and call to
Ullman Sails Seattle Loft manager: Chris Winnard
action as sincere, positive and responsible; as that’s how it
2370 Fairview Ave. East • Seattle, WA 98102
is intended.
e-mail: sailsinfo@UllmansailsSeattle.com
We are both lifelong boaters. What we have learned
(206) 234-3737 • www.ullmansailsseattle.com
from sailing across the Pacific over the past 6 years, and Jeff Carson 206-383-8618 jeffcarson@marinesc.com
especially from scientists focused on marine conservation, John Leitzinger 253-988-7245 RSEMarine@comcast.net
is startling. Whether you spend time on the water or not, Jon Thompson 253-732-0911 jthomp055@yahoo.com
Ocean Acidification affects all of us and is something we
believe you will want to know about.
What would you do if you knew that many species of
fish and other marine life in the ocean will be gone within
30 years if levels of C02 continue increasing at their present
Specializing in Waterfront and Estate Properties
rate? We believe you would take action to stop this from
Your Own Dock in the San Juan Islands!
happening, because informed people make informed choices.
This letter is about what we can and must do together now
to help solve a very serious but little-known problem, Ocean
Acidification.
Ocean Acidification is primarily caused by the burning
of fossil fuels. When carbon dioxide in the atmosphere ends
up in the ocean it changes the pH, making the sea acidic
and less hospitable to life. Over time, C02 reduces calcium
carbonate, which prevents creatures from forming shells and West Sound Orcas Contemporary
building reefs. In fact, existing shells will start to dissolve.
Pasture and waterfront with shared new dock, private mooring buoy and
Oysters and mussels will not be able to build shells. Crabs
boat shed make for ideal access to one of the most coveted boating locations
and lobsters? Your great-grandchildren may wonder what
in the American San Juans. 13 acres and 2 lots with a dramatic
they tasted like.
3 bedroom home and guest suite. Asking $3,750,000
Carbon dioxide concentrated in the oceans is making
seawater acidic. Many of the zooplankton, small animals
at the base of the food web, have skeletons that won’t form
in these conditions, and sea-life further up the food chain
– fish, mammals and seabirds that rely on zooplankton for
food will also perish. No food – no life. One billion people
rely on seafood for their primary source of protein. Many
scientific reports document that worldwide, humans are
Shaw Island Waterfront Estate
already consuming more food than is being produced. The
South facing 33 waterfront acres in 3 parcels with coves, several cabins,
implications are obvious. rocky point and private dock. 2000’ of shoreline, meadows, barns, orchards
The issue of Ocean Acidification is causing irreversible
and bluff. Minutes by boat to Friday Harbor. Asking $2,950,000
loss to species and habitats, and acidification trends are
happening up to ten times faster than projected. We want
cell 360-961-7523 MARY@ORCASISLANDREALTY.COM
48° No r t h , Au g u s t 2009 PA g e 11
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