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Pt 1. Elon's Exploitation and Greed

97% of Brownsville's native habitat in Texas has been destroyed by land development, industrialization, farming, etc., and the last 3% is being destroyed by Elon Musk's SpaceX Project. SpaceX has caused earthquakes, rampant workplace injuries, skirted regulations, threatened wildlife, and displaced local communities while securing millions in corporate welfare.

I recommend watching More Perfect Union's YouTube video, discussing Elon Musk's manipulative tactic to exploit Brownsville, one of the poorest communities in America.

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Heritage Marine National Monument

EarthEcho International’s Director of Youth Engagement, Sean Russel, shared with GenSea (click link to sign up and see more) that Trump issued an executive order attempting to open the Pacific Islands Heritage Marine National Monument - one of the last wild, healthy ocean ecosystems on Earth - to industrial fishing.

This devastating move would scale back protections from over 400,000 square miles of ocean, threatening endangered wildlife, underwater seamounts, and an area of great cultural significance for Pacific Islanders. Now is the time to use our advocating voices and stand together to protect the ocean, cultural heritage, and our future. 

Take Action:

Sign the Heritage Marine National Monument Petition to get involved and make it clear we do NOT support Trump's EO

Read and share Angelo Villagomez's article regarding 5 things you can do if you’re pissed off about the latest Trump EO

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Protect NOAA!!

The Trump administration recently laid off employees at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), the government agency that manages our national fisheries, monitors and forecasts our weather, charts our oceans, and protects our coastal communities and infrastructure. Without these roles, millions of people relying on our oceans, Great Lakes, and coastal economies will suffer severe consequences. Fortunately, NOAA employees have worked extremely hard to prevent those consequences. Still, it’s important for Congress to roll back these devastating cuts to prevent further damage. Make your voice loud and clear, your representatives need to hear from you! Call out your members of Congress TODAY to save NOAA and its programs that are critical to our oceans, coastal communities, and economies.

Get Involved!!

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Support Seafood Traceability

The Food & Drug Administration (FDA) is responsible for ensuring that most of the nation's seafood supply, both domestic and imported, is safe from harmful bacteria and viruses. Fish is the most common type of food that makes people ill, and with most Americans eating more than 20 pounds of seafood each year, traceability can save lives. A new requirement better tracks and traces high-risk foods, including nearly all seafood, and it’s set to go into effect in January 2026. However, some members of Congress are trying to delay — or even block it entirely.

Tell your U.S. Representatives and Senators TODAY that food traceability gives people trust in what they’re putting on their plates, and ANY more delay is UNACCEPTABLE!

Here's the petition link: 𓆝 𓆟 𓆞 𓆝 𓆟 𓆝

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Productivity Tip

In February, Tori Hunt, the youth director of my ambassador program, recommended listening to NATURE on Spotify while completing assignments to stay focused. As Tori suggested, the various audios helped me focus on my work and accomplish tasks comfortably and efficiently. My productivity skills increase whenever I play one of NATURE’s songs while completing my work.

Here's the link to NATURE's Spotify Account: 𓆉𓆉𓆉𓆉

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Trump vs the Environment

There's no way to say this kindly... Trump is bad for the environment. From executive orders to pulling the U.S. out of the Paris Agreement, Trump has made it clear he is here to abuse and profit from the Environment. Unfortunately, it's all a part of Project 2025, with 42% of the book complete. Check out this Project 2025 Tracker!

Trump's administration is also constantly ripping at EPA regulations. That includes taking away regulations regarding automobile emissions, power plants, and air/water pollution. Read this article by Dana Drugmand from the Sierra Club. Drugmand writes about Trump and Zeldin vs the EPA, and "the greatest day of deregulation," as Zeldin states.

A second term will not make us lose hope. Remember, we still have a voice. Now is especially the time to stick together, so we must make our voices clear! Use your voice and power to add your name, email, and zip code to pledge and fight against Trump!

Get Involved!

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Join GenSea

GenSea is an international community of young ocean advocates connected through networking, learning, and collective action to protect and restore our oceans. Developed by EarthEcho International, GenSea is a digital platform that provides the youth exclusive access and opportunities to various events and networking opportunities. Get connected with more than 1,500 ocean advocates by clicking this link! :)

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High Seas Treaty

Want to feel involved in ocean restoration and conservation for March? 

I encourage you to use your advocating voice by writing a message to your country leader regarding the High Seas Treaty. The High Seas Treaty is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to protect almost half of our planet, but it needs to be ratified by at least 60 countries to enter into force and take effect.

By using the link, you’ll protect the future of our oceans and biodiversity while saving billions of lives. Write a message to urge your country's leaders to either sign the treaty or ratify the agreement, then submit it!!

Stay involved!!

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Whale Behavior Documentary ᐢ..ᐢ

I stumbled on this medium-length documentary about mainly whale and orca (killer whale) behaviors. The documentary acknowledges the fascinating behaviors that aquatic mammals display, proving we're more similar than depicted.

Did You Know:

Whales will rub bellies to show affection, similar to a hug or greeting

Orcas whisper to each other using soft chirps

Whales' hearing is so sensitive that they can hear each other's heartbeats

Whales and Orcas can play games with solid objects with one another

Whales sometimes surf on the waves, yup

Whales and Orcas are extremely sensitive to stress, even from other species, and they sometimes attempt to help

Whales have singing lessons with one another

In addition to the info above, the documentary includes other interesting fun facts and behavior displays that will melt your heart and educate you (𓆝 𓆟 𓆞 𓆝 𓆟)

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Black History in the Chesapeake Bay

Happy Black History Month, everyone!! I hope your February has been going well so far.

I recently stumbled upon "Blacks of the Chesapeake", an organization of Black Americans who have worked or are currently working in the maritime and seafood processing industries. Intrigued, I explored their website's different resources, programs, and educational links, improving my knowledge of Black influence and history in the bay.

Unfortunately, I discovered Vince Leggett, the founder of Blacks of the Chesapeake, passed away on November 23. Mr. Leggett was dedicated to spreading the African American history and culture of the Chesapeake Bay. He created an excellent community for fading history to brighten and thrive.

To honor Vince Legget's spirit and memory, I will share educational links (also provided on the BOC page) so you can learn additional history about the Bay. Especially black history, culture, and contributions that aren't often highlighted.

A visual representation of Historical Black Beaches in the Chesapeake Bay region: provides the names and founding information regarding black beaches and related areas from the landing of the first enslaved Africans to the Jim Crow era.

Black history revived at a historic Chesapeake Bay beach: includes the history of Vince Leggett's, Carr's Beach, a non-segregated beach for everyone to enjoy.

Virginia’s historic Black Watermen communities are endangered: tells the history of Black Watermen in the Bay and the foundation many Black Americans built and structured in the seafood industry. The article talks about the roles of Black American men and women and how history is endangered of being forgotten.

A Black boating tradition on the Chesapeake ran into racism — then tragedy: mentions the history of Capt. Thompson Wallace, one of the last two Black captains to dredge for oysters. The article continues to explain the unforgivable racism that black sailors, captains, and boatmen faced before and during the Jim Crow era. Unfortunately, it was common for Black Watermen to be refused from owning boats because the White Watermen preferred to have the Black Watermen work for them.

A Maryland Black Watermen’s Memorial: shares the significance and advantages of a Memorial for Marylan'ds Black Watermen. Unfortunately, not enough people know their courageous stories and a memorial would bring a wider awareness. A memorial would honor the Black Watermen and equally hard-working Black Women who contributed to the Bay.

Happy Black History Month!!! ᐢ..ᐢ

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January Petition Links

We're almost done with January, and I wanted to share petition links I've come across. Although the environmental future in the U.S. looks cloudy, we can still advocate!!

Pledge to Say NO to Plastic Water Bottles: reduce the impact of water bottle pollution.

Help Save Marine Life: There's a slim future for sea turtles. Various tragedies are rapidly decreasing sea turtle numbers, shifting them into the endangered category. Use your voice to speak up for sea turtles and many other endangered biodiversity.

Support Maryland's Bottle Bill: The Bottle Bill will reduce litter and plastic pollution. There will also be an increase in recycling beverage containers.

Protect the Health Of Our Waterways from Coal Pollution: Hold the big banks accountable. Well-known banks such as Wells Fargo, the Bank of America, Citigroup, and many more fund delay coal power. By signing this petition, you can possibly shut these big coal plants down. As a result, our waterways will restore their health.

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Whale Documentary

I hope everyone's staying warm if they're currently in a state experiencing the snowstorm. For others, I hope you're just as safe. I'm one of the people who got to experience the storm, and it was so beautiful. The beautiful weather made me feel inspired, so I decided to watch a documentary. Specifically, Get Factual’s " Wildest Whales" documentary. The documentary contains triggering themes such as whale beachings and propeller scars. If you have the time, I recommend listening to the video as a potential podcast. The video contains the strictly similar circumstances North Atlantic Whales are facing. Unfortunately, they aren't the only whales facing this issue. The number of sperm whales in European countries, such as Germany, is decreasing due to speeding ferries. If you're unfamiliar with the topic and want to "Sea-Differently", I recommend you visit this petition link.

Here's the YouTube video:

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December Links

I hope everyones holidays have been exactly as they expected!! Before this month ends, I'd like to feature additional petition links for people who would still like to get involved.

Protect North Atlantic Whales from Speeding Boats: Along the East coast of the United States, North Atlantic Right Whales have been washing up on shores from LETHAL boat disruption. With the species on the "close to extinction" list, the population is at a steady decline. Signing this petition will bring awareness to the unfortunate fate of the North Atlantic Right Whales. With enough recognition, Biden can protect these whales by passing a bill that requires boats to slow down for whales.

Reduce Single-Use Plastics: 33 BILLION pounds of plastics entering the oceans every year is a serious growing problem, that will continue to grow if we don't acknowledge the issue. By signing this petition, a "Congressional Break Free From Plastic Pollution Act" will reduce single-use plastics, and hold companies accountable for this waste concerns.

Protect 30% of Ocean Habitats by 2023: Horrible human-made threats risk the health of our oceans protected areas. Out of the 70% of oceans covering the planet, only 8% is protected. Compared to 30%, we still have a long way to go. Protecting specifically 30% by 2030 will minimize the LETHAL impact of climate change.

Protect Our Coasts from Oil Drilling: If you watched the "zombie wells" youtube video I linked in. previous post, then you'll understand why exactly drilling is damaging to the environment. If you have not watched the video, I recommend you do. Oil drilling can be devastating to the environment because of oil spills. Oil spills affect everyone, including organisms and the environment supporting them. By Signing this petition, your voice will be uplifted among others who want to prevent further oil drilling gonthe coasts. Many people remember the aftermath of the Gulf of Mexico spill, so let's ensure history doesn't repeat itself.

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Want To Feel More Involved in Environmental Justice?

"Environmental Justice for All" Petition: bold legislation to correct the wrongs of environmental racism.

"Stop Dangerous Gas Exports" Petition: get officials to deny harmful and impactful gas export permits.

"Protect the Arctic" Petition: At a rally, Trump openly expressed his desire to be dictator for a day. While dictator for a day, Trump plans to "drill, baby drill," referring to oil drilling in the Arctic.

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An Interesting Watch...

Last month I found this exact YouTube video regarding "zombie wells". These "zombie wells" are abandoned oil and gas wells found around the United States. The YouTube video shows the disregard big companies have for the environment.

These abandoned wells leak tons of carbon into the air, creating pollution and harming the environment. Not enough advocating for the accountability of the companies abandoning their running supplies. The abandoned wells are commonly found in Texas; however, 25 other states are affected as well. To plug them costs money and dedication at all government levels. If these wells continue to run, surrounding environments will continue to die and deplete biodiversity.

When you have the chance, watch this brief video.