Florida dumped 500,000 tons of oyster shells into the Gulf of Mexico, which helped rebuild damaged reefs and restore marine habitats.

cross-posted from: https://discuss.online/post/42806046

Some called it reckless dumping. Others warned it would be detrimental to an already dwindling ecosystem. And for a while, these concerns seemed valid. Even the researchers running this giant experiment had their doubts as no visible progress was initially seen.

All of these things and more helped revive fish, turtle, and dolphin populations to numbers not seen in over two and a half decades. Layer by layer, the ocean floor had rebuilt itself until the results were visibly undeniable.

  • aesthelete@lemmy.worldEnglish
    31·
    20 hours ago

    Restoring the balance of these elements is not only critical to marine life, but human life as well. And we’re not just talking about food supply here. A lack of fish means a lack of income for fishermen, and higher prices at seafood restaurants. Dirty waters lead to a decline in tourism.

    I’m not sure exactly when every “human life” concern started needing an economic angle when written about but thanks I fucking hate it.