Humankind has not woven the web of life. We are but one thread within it. Whatever we do to the web, we do to ourselves. All things are bound together. All things connect. ~Chief Seattle, 1855I think that the best part of my work is getting the message about the importance of the marine environment to the public. I used to think that the best part of what I did was publish papers and do research. I think that my attitude changed when I came to realize that there is a sense of urgency about taking care of the habitats that we have left. With more and more people moving to the coast, there is a real need to impress upon people that the water and marine resources that everyone loves is getting sick from careless development, overpopulation, and generally being taken for granted. Awareness and education are key to getting the message out.
I wish that more academicians came out of the ivory towers of learning and mingled among the general public. Not all but many are simply out of touch with what is happening in the real world. I don't think that I have the luxury anymore of simply doing research because it's something that interests me. I feel that I have a responsibility to do something that is going to make things better.
Off my soap box for today and off to pass the message of "Do no harm" to others or to the environment.
I'm grateful for:
- Being able to pass the messages that I've learned on to others
- Having a chance at experiencing another day
- Doing what I can for a better way of life and hoping that others do the same
- Having seen that nature puts on a better show than Spielburg and it's all for free
- The wonderment of kids over things that many of us take for granted.
Thanks...
ReplyDeletefor carrying the message and not the mess.
that must be extremely rewards. doing what you're doing. it cannot ever be said enough. to look after and protect what we have on this earth. some damage cannot be undone and each and every one of us needs to know it.
ReplyDeleteIt was such a wonderful time when my kids were younger and enjoyed going to the aquarium, etc. Good memories.
ReplyDeleteAbout a year ago I was looking up how to clean rust stains out of the toilet on the internet. People kept posting things like acid, etc. Finally someone said please think about what you are doing to the environment before you flush harsh chemicals down the toilet! She had a good point. I ended up buying a pumice stone. I'm thinking though that bleach is a good cleaner because they use it to sterilize water for drinking and also it gets very diluted when combined with more water? What's your opinion on that?
Great post, and I'm greatful for your research, but also greatful that you realize that you need to make the general public more aware of their part in it all. I also wish academia would come out of their ivory towers now and then (like you do), they have so much to share. And I agree, it really is all about habitat. Most, if not all, of the listed species I work with are where they are because of habitat destruction.
ReplyDeleteGood message!
ReplyDeleteHappy Sunday Syd!
ReplyDeletegood message!
ReplyDeleteHave a terrific week!
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