The perils of marine pollution were highlighted once again, with a recent accident involving a container vessel off New Zealand’s spectacular North Island. In calm waters the ship ploughed into a reef, disgorging toxic fuel oil into a wild-life rich coastline and top tourist destination “for no particular reason.” Was human error to blame? We don’t yet know.
This carrier has 2,000 tonnes of fuel threatening to foul New Zealand’s coastline. That’s a mere thimble-full compared with the massive spill that, in the event of an oil supertanker accident, would leave a deadly legacy throughout BC’s reef-filled pacific north coast.
Canada’s National Energy Board ‘Review Panel’ will soon consider the crude oil pipeline proposal that aims to fill 215 supertankers a year, to thread the turbulent waters of BC’s intricate coastline. BC’s benefit from this oil transportation route: 2-3 years employment constructing the pipeline, plus a few dozen port jobs. Not worth the risk!
Most aboriginal communities and BC citizens, and thousands of coastal fishery and tourism small businesses are against opening the waters around Haida Gwaii to oil supertanker traffic. I’ve been working to protect our coastline, including through a legislated tanker ban. I hope you will continue to support our efforts!
— Joyce
