To the editor:
Growing up in North Carolina, summer vacation officially began the morning my family packed up my dad’s truck and headed for the beach. We’d spend all day in the salty water with sand dollars, horseshoe crabs and seagulls, dodging jellyfish and examining shells in the surf on the way back to the umbrella for a snack. I grew up amazed by and in love with North Carolina’s marine life — now I’m concerned for their future.
Research conducted by Duke University’s Marine Geospatial Ecology Lab and interpreted by the advocacy group Oceana in a series of maps show that seismic testing has proven to negatively impact marine life. Dolphins, whales and commercial fish alike will be harmed by the practice of seismic testing. Offshore oil and gas exploration, particularly seismic testing, threatens North Carolina’s environment and economy.
Right now, President Obama is considering allowing this practice in the Atlantic. I urge everyone who cares about the coast, and our marine life, to join me in urging the president to protect our coasts and ban seismic testing in the Atlantic.
Caroline Brinegar
Charlotte