Implications of Offshore Pipelines on Local Marine Biodiversity

In 2017, North American energy infrastructure company Williams Transco proposed a 23.4-mile, 26 inch diameter pipeline as an expansion to its current subsea (below seafloor) framework that delivers natural gas to New York City and surrounding areas. This study delves into the environmental significance of the Northeast Supply Enhancement Pipeline, ascertaining that despite its projected distribution of 400 million cubic feet of natural gas per day to residents, construction will cause too much disturbance to 14,000 acres of marine habitat across the Lower Bay of New York’s harbor. This potential disturbance is supported by peer-reviewed scientific studies and literature on the structure and use of pipelines, as well as Williams Transco’s safety records. While receiving acceptable review from the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) with regards to environmental impact, past failures of similar projects signifies too much risk to local marine biodiversity.

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Saving Lives With The Sea Squirt

Meet the sea squirt: the golden star, a tiny, unassuming creature that could just be the answer to one of the greatest medical pursuits.

Scientifically termed Botryllus schlosseri, the sea squirt is a type of invertebrate that has a vasculature heart system and bears the most similarities to humans among all invertebrates. It even has 77 percent of genes that are found in humans. It has also been discovered that these marine filter feeders are able to regenerate solely through their blood vessels.

This breakthrough poses a shocking, almost inconceivable possibility: scientists could someday extract the sea squirt’s life saving secret and apply it to humans, allowing an injured person to redevelop a limb or even safely and easily accept a new organ. This life-saving capability is offset by the sea squirt’s destructive behavior.

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