Hi triplenickel.
The communist reference was more for a lark, as a post from another member labeled a person who was against the site C dam a communist. I just thought it was rather funny that things had stooped to that level, and thought we'd moved past the McCarthy era.
A lot of what you say is 100% correct. I have enjoyed the benefits of relatively cheap gas throughout my lifetime, and I have owned large gas guzzling boats in the past. That is no longer the case and hasn't been for a long time. I have not owned a boat in excess of 20 feet for many years. I use very little fuel on my average outing as I have owned a light aluminum boat for the last 20 years and generally travel small distances to fish. My fuel consumption is very light in comparison to my younger years. I also now use my vehicle very sparingly and do not travel very much. As you say, I was guilty off excess gas consumption when I was younger but that is no longer the case. I use fuel very sparingly these days.
You asked me to list the extractive industries I support.
I support commercial Salmon fishing if it can be done in a selective manner. I support the trollers, but not purse seigning or gill netting. I would support in river commercial selective harvest methods that did not involve gill netting.
I do not support any form of mining that discharges its mining effluent into our fish bearing rivers. Mining that does not discharge contaminated water into our rivers I have no issue with.
I support our logging industry, if it is done in an ecologically sound manner. Adequate replanting must be done, and care must be taken logging near watersheds. I do not support the export of raw logs.
I do not support construction of dams on any river that has migratory fish species in the river.
I do support petroleum extraction for domestic use. I do not support oil tanker traffic through our waters simply to supply China. I do not believe fracking has been studied sufficiently, and it's widespread use is concerning without further study.
I believe we have many options at home for power generation. Wind generation is used everywhere else in the world but here it seems, because our mentality has always been we'll just build another dam so why explore alternate methods. Solar power is a limited option but definitely is not as viable in BC as other sunnier climates. Personally even though it would be extremely negatively viewed I'd actually support building of nuclear reactors over hydro dams. We have an abundance of uranium in Canada, and I'd rather see nuclear power generation over coal fired, or other fossil fuel power generated electricity.
Regarding overpopulation. Again you are correct, on a planetary scale overpopulation is is huge issue. In Canada not so much, we are one of the least densly populated countries in the world. Unfortunately, the rest of the world affects us in Canada even if our population levels and birth rates are low.
I do not expect my posts will change anything in the world. However, attitudes are changing, and every bit helps. That is the purpose of my posts.
As you picked up on, I have also curtailed my Salmon take drastically in the last 15-20 years. I also try to espouse the catch and release philosophy on the forum in the hope it will become more widespread in the ocean. I do keep some Salmon to eat but I try keep the less desirable sports species such as Chum, pinks, and smaller coho. I will keep Sockeye if it is an extremely plentiful year. I do not trophy fish and release most Chinook, and all large Springs. I release all fish I catch in fresh water. I take a limited catch of bottom fish for the freezer. I just personally believe that if everyone limited their catch somewhat overall stocks would be in far better shape.
I have no delusions. My posts accomplish little, but even a small change in attitudes can make a big difference over time. That is why the guys that are concerned for our planets future spend the time and energy they do on this forum trying in some insignificant way to change people's attitudes. Hopefully eventually things will change in the world.
Thank you triplenickel for your well thought out and respectful response .