Freighters aren’t the biggest problem on our oceans
Re: Robert Barron’s Feb. 4 note on freighter anchorages.
There are a number of statements made in this article that may not stand up to scrutiny.
For example, the complaint that there is noise and light pollution from anchored freighters. Gazing around the waterfront areas where freighters are anchored it strikes me that most of the light “pollution” derives from homes lining most of the area shores. How does the light from a maximum of 33 anchorages throughout the islands out pollute the light from thousands of homes?
Noise? Most populated areas are surrounded by so much traffic noise that you couldn’t hear a generator on an anchored ship if you wanted to.
The time worn fear about anchored ships being a hazard to orcas cannot have any substance when compared to the hazards created by thousands of ferry trips and pleasure boaters constantly plying back and forth in these same waters.
As for the danger to clam, oyster and prawn beds, how can 33 ships anchoring in the same spots (which are not prime sea life beds) compare to the damage done by thousands of commercial, recreational and aboriginal fishers who constantly troll the ocean harvesting tons of sea life every year.
I think the “war” against anchorages is a misguided attempt to right the wrongs we all have inflicted upon our oceans, and like many other initiatives, the solution is for each and every one of us to reduce our impact where possible, instead of blaming others.
BC Ferries does about 60,000 ferry trips per year. Doesn’t that trump 33 ships at anchor?
I question the statement that the ships are a longstanding issue for residents of Saltair and Chemainus. Where are the facts to back this up? Many of us enjoy the romance of a few oceangoing ships in our midst. Let’s not take that away in the misguided attempt to right the wrongs that we all inflict on our oceans with our everyday activities.
Michael Smith
Chemainus
