WiLD Blog

In the last year the largest copper and gold deposits known in North America were discovered in southwestern Alaska. A Canadian mining company has estimated that the precious metals in the Bristol Bay region are worth $300 billion given the value of gold and copper in today’s consumer markets.

Numerous rivers untainted by pollution or dams flow from inland Alaska into Bristol Bay. They are home to the largest sockeye salmon run in the world and account for a quarter of the wild salmon harvested in the United States. Keeping this habitat pristine and undisturbed by humans is economically important today when fisheries all around the world are collapsing. Alaskan’s are now faced with the choice of preserving their watershed which supports fisheries along with a host of other wildlife or giving land up to mining companies who will create one of the worlds largest mines.

Harmful effects of creating what is known as the “Pebble Mine” are numerous. Mining in the Bristol Bay region will destroy one of the planets last sustainable fisheries by drying up spawning streams and poisoning lakes and rivers with acid runoff. Also, scientists have found that copper dust inhibits a salmon’s ability to navigate to spawning grounds. Other animals such as brown bears, Mulchatna caribou, moose, wolverines, beavers, and eagles depend on the clean water in the region.

The proposed mining operation will no doubt have short-term benefits to the economy. The project entails five earthen dams, two of which will be larger than China’s Three Gorges Dam. In addition, the discovery of large metal deposits in the region has begun a surge of claim-staking. Eight other companies have asserted rights over 700 sq. miles in southwest Alaska. Mining company executives worldwide are drooling over the thought of obtaining rights to land around Bristol Bay. Recently, one of the largest mining companies in the world based out of London has said they are willing to buy a 50% partnership in the Pebble Mine for $1.4 billion.

Officials from mining companies argue that mining and fisheries can coexist today with safer mining practices then in the past. It is true that environmental regulations on mining may be stricter today then 25 years ago but if the full potential of the mine is to be extracted as much as 12 billion tons of earth will be excavated, milled, and displaced to fill two valleys and leave 2.5 billion tons of waste and toxic residue. Southwestern Alaska remains relatively untouched by industrialization. Roads and transportation for workers and mined goods will be built right through untouched forests, wetlands, and around lake Iliamna, Alaska’s largest body of fresh water. Helicopters have already scared caribou away from natural grazing grounds and in doing so deprived natives of one of their main staple resources.  It is obvious that the development of the Pebble Mine will alter the ecosystem and jeopardize fish stocks as well as other terrestrial species.

Every opinion, from international environmental groups to local fishermen, has been publicized and major campaigning has begun for and against the Pebble Mine. But because the mine will be on state land the most important decision will be made by the commissioner of the Alaska Department of Natural Resources, Tom Irwin, who happens to be a former mining executive and promoter of development.

Obtaining federal and state permits along with performing proper environmental assessment of the region will postpone any immediate development of the Pebble Mine for at least four years. Debate will continue and new arguments will arise, but the basic question remains the same even through the eyes of an entrepreneur: Can we afford to alter valuable ecosystems that are self-regenerating in order to collect short-term profit from nonrenewable resources?

Form your own opinion and visit these interesting websites:

Pebble Mine General Information
Northern Dynasty mining company’s website
Renewable Resources Coalition - Pebble Mine

Corina Marks

Gray whales are being threatened again. Their yearly 12,500-mile migration brings them up and down the coast of North America, as they feed in the waters by Vancouver and Seattle during the summer and migrate down to breed in Baja California during the winter months. Scientists have discovered that the grey whales are arriving in their calving grounds thin and exhausted.

Scientists believe this is due to a lack of food for the whales when they are in their traditional feeding grounds. Consequently they are forced to look for food when they should be breeding.

The source of the problem is unknown but the consequences could be devastating. The gray whale is symbolic of Mexico’s natural heritage as Baja California is home to the world’s last undeveloped calving ground, San Ignacio lagoon. This problem has not only consequences for the future of the gray whale species but for the economic wellbeing of the tourism industry in both Baja and California.

Lack of food in their traditional feeding grounds is a serious threat to the survival of gray whales.

To WiLDCOAST, the grey whale has a special place in the organization. In our offices, on the walls are various articles relating the struggles and successes the grey whales have been through. WiLDCOAST has been heavily involved in the preservation of the coastal environment and protecting species such as the grey whale. The Baja California coast and lagoons are unique in being the last undeveloped calving sites of the gray whale. In addition the presence of the gray whale brings in tourists willing to spend money to see the whales. Not only do people enjoy whale watching in Baja California, but also in California, whale-watching tours are very popular during the winter months.

But economics are just a small part of the immense value these whales have to human beings. These whales are economically valuable to us for a deeper, intangible reason. It is impossible to put economic value on the sense of excitement and wonder when people spot these whales and the memories and impact they have on us. The beauty and excitement these whales bring to our lives reminds us that we are simply one part of the natural world, and that we also share the same world. Our actions can have consequences for these amazing animals that have been repeating their yearly migrations before humans even arrived on this continent. That is why it’s crucial to support conservation, ecotourism and conservation efforts to protect these whales.

-Calvin Lee