If you want to point fingers, point them in the direction of positive change...the blame game doesn't achieve much.

I can always trust Facebook for 3 things... 

1. All the ocean conservation organizations and interest pages I 'follow' will continually post thought-provoking stories and news regarding environmental science and preservation.

2. Although good-natured, some of these posts will be absurdly inaccurate or extremely opinionated without much scientific backing. Some organizations are more credible and post controversial, yet reasonable stories.

3. The comment part below many of such posts will inevitably be filled with words spoken by passionate idiots. If they agree with the conservation post, commentators usually poke fingers at everyone but themselves.... or if they for some reason happen upon the story and do not agree with the underlying conservation message/ news event, they feel it necessary to provide ignorant snip-its of scathing disagreement.  

----- For example, the mixed comments regarding the Western Australian Great White Shark Cull updates.... "Kill them all!" "Better them than us," "Sharks are not man-eaters, the Australian government is wack." Or the ridiculous posts about radiation killing EVERYTHING in the Pacific Ocean and giant mutated squid washing up on Californian shores...."Whoah, I didn't know nuclear power was that bad," "Stupid Japanese, now we can't even swim in Cali." ExCuse ME?! People... please read a book, how did racism even end up in this comment section? ----- 

Anyways... I'm sure you know exactly what I am talking about. The main point of this blog entry is to bring to your attention the incredible gaps in conservation knowledge and the lack of credible communication between science and the media. I want to banish negative energy and promote teamwork towards positive change.

The Cove, as I'm sure many of you are familiar with, is a documentary that received high awards for exposing the truth about massive dolphin/porpoise slaughters and captures for the marine park/aquarium show trade. While it is a radial film with some inappropriate cultural criticism, the underlying goal was to bring the aforementioned controversial topics to the center of marine conservation. A film is often the most effective way to promote appreciation for nature and to rupture human apathy regarding prominent environmental dilemmas. The Cove is no different. It very effectively spurred an uprising and planted a seed for change. 

Like anything that 'makes a statement,' there will inevitably be critics to follow (today it is me). Though I generally agree with the message of the documentary and "Like" it on Facebook, today, one post left a bad taste in my mouth: "Given her father’s incredible passion for animals and his conservation efforts, this is so WRONG." ...followed by a link to this article (https://www.thedodo.com/steve-irwins-daughter-becomes--454345897.html) titled "Steve Irwin's Daughter Becomes SeaWorld Ambassador."

The article explains how Bindi Irwin is becoming involved with SeaWorld's "Generation Nature" program (http://seaworldkids.com/en/gennature/). Irwin is quoted as saying that the new initiative is "all about encouraging kids to get involved and be game-changers for wildlife and wild places." So..... I fail to see the issue here. 

Simply because SeaWorld has recently been under fire about their captive marine mammal program and show (which I disagree with, but also appreciate many aspects of aquariums), The Cove decides it is necessary to poke fingers at a young girl who is trying to instill a love and appreciation for nature in children?! The comments that followed this post were similarly disgusted and highly offensive to a young women who has dedicated her life to spreading awareness for preservation of the natural world. With over three-quarter of a million followers, I ask 'The Cove' whether this is truly the attitude with which they wish to proceed in marine conservation. 

• 

  2:11pm
  

  Hillary Lynn
  

  
  

  
  

  Perhaps instead of criticizing Bindi Irwin's efforts to connect with children and inspire them to care about nature via Seaworld, you should encourage your fans to ponder the pros and cons of aquariums. I am fully against keeping orcas and large pelagic species in captivity, however, for many humans, an aquarium is the only accessible interaction with the sea and serves as the spark for a lifetime of appreciation for the natural environment. If you want to keep your message for sustainability and marine conservation, it would be wise not to lash out against others with similar goals and passions. Seaworld definitely needs some positive change, it is outrageous to keep highly intelligent species trained and trapped for human enjoyment, but maybe Bindi could utilize her "celebrity status" to further this notion and change the reasons why children are drawn to Seaworld. Don't discourage, only educate and encourage.

  
  

  Negativity leads to spiteful defensiveness... I think you would have more impact on reducing dolphin and whale fishing pressures with a positive attitude that attempts to understand long-standing cultural traditions. Only then will people listen, and only then will you be able to promote education and reform to "save species on the brink."

  
  

  Thank you kindly,

  
  

  Hillary

You may or may not agree with me, you may or may not agree with The Cove's Facebook post. Yet nevertheless, it is imperative that I discuss the "blame game," and how pointing fingers at people never accomplishes anything. 

If you want to make a difference in the world of marine conservation, you will never get there by scolding legislators or those who take no care to eat sustainable seafood. Nothing will ever be achieved by scoffing at climate change skeptics or by lashing out at ignorant trolling Facebook commentators.

Progression in marine and environmental preservation will only be brought on by education and human appreciation for nature. Instead of pointing fingers and blaming others for the critical state of many endangered species and polluted habitats, point in the direction of positive change. Provide ideas as to how people can work together to make the world a better place. Negativity stifles creativity! :)