End Deadly Water Pollution From Fish Farming

Target: Daniel Eichinger, Director of the Michigan Department of Natural Resources

Goal: Halt the expansion of open-pen fish farming operations to safeguard water quality.

Michigan’s pristine waterways are under threat due to the rapid expansion of open-pen fish farming, which poses significant risks to water quality and the delicate balance of aquatic ecosystems. These operations, where fish are raised in netted enclosures in natural water bodies, can lead to a host of environmental problems. Fish waste, excess feed, and chemicals used in fish farming can accumulate, causing nutrient pollution and degrading water quality. This pollution can trigger harmful algal blooms, oxygen depletion, and the decline of native fish populations.

Despite these concerns, the state of Michigan has witnessed an increase in permits for open-pen fish farming, raising apprehensions about the long-term impacts on lakes and rivers. The intensification of these operations without proper oversight and regulations threatens not only the health of the waters, but also the livelihoods of fishermen, tourism, and the recreational use of Michigan’s lakes and rivers.

Sign the petition below to demand immediate action to halt the expansion of open-pen fish farming operations in Michigan, preserving the purity of water bodies and ensuring the sustainability of aquatic ecosystems.

PETITION LETTER:

Dear Director Eichinger,

The waters of Michigan hold a special place in the hearts of residents and visitors alike. It is a collective responsibility to safeguard these natural treasures for current and future generations. However, the unchecked expansion of open-pen fish farming operations is casting a shadow over the pristine waters people cherish.

The alarming rise in permits for open-pen fish farming operations raises grave concerns about the potential consequences on water quality and the ecological balance of lakes and rivers. The accumulation of fish waste, excess feed, and chemicals threatens to trigger ecological imbalances and harmful algal blooms, robbing the waters of their purity and vitality.

We urge you to prioritize the long-term health of the aquatic ecosystems over short-term profits. We call on you to immediately halt the expansion of open-pen fish farming operations in Michigan and reevaluate the existing regulations to ensure that the waters are not compromised by irresponsible practices.

Let us be remembered as stewards who protected Michigan’s water quality and preserved the natural beauty that defines the state.

Sincerely,

[Your Name Here]

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