Kalistan

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Princess Michelle Ananto-DeLaurentis Praises Lodamun's efforts
"Restoring Aquatic Wildlife is the cause of a Lifetime," said Lady Michelle
Dulnerstaad, Grand Duchy of Ananto
June 30, 5645


Lady Michelle Ananto outside the Dulnerstaad National Aquarium

Her Highness Princess Michelle Ananto-DeLaurentis, Aunt of Her Imperial Majesty, Empress Mary I Ananto issued a statement of praise today upon learning of the Commonwealth of Lodamun's commitment to restoring its fishing stocks through the creation of protected Exclusive zones.

"Restoring aquatic wildlife populations has been the cause of my lifetime," said the Princess. "Ever since I was a girl, I have been committed to aquatic species, and it is very encouraging to me to read that Lodamun is also taking steps along those lines." She said the Northeastern coast of Seleya used to be teeming with fish, whales, porpoises and aquatic species of all sorts. But overfishing by multiple nations who are external to the area as well as nearly constant use of international sea lanes has driven many species away, or caused them to disappear completely from the North West Anantonese Ocean.

"This catastrophic wasting of species due to several other nations, mostly in Artania and Dovani, who saw our Ocean as their property to exploit and despoil has led to a once veritable garden of wildlife being turned into an aquatic semi-arid zone," said Lady Michelle. "Despite the best efforts of certain countries to stave off the destruction, it wasn't enough because countries would travel thousands of miles to fish our waters after they shortsightedly wasted their own waters, and it has led to the obliteration of sustainable and traditional industry that Lodamun talks about, as well as migration of the remaining wildlife to waters which are unsuitable for its health and well being."

She said she agreed with the steps Lodamun is taking to help rebuild hospitable environments for the return of fish and maritime species. "I can tell you this: Dulnerstaad Aquarium, the premier maritime wildlife research center in Kalistan, actively supports reintroduction of species in our waters. To date we have reintroduced several species into the Northern Strait, and with few predators in the area, except man himself, these species are thriving and rapidly returning to wild. Perhaps with the cooperation of Lodamun, we will be able to reintroduce, and also more importantly protect these species as they regain their self-perpetuation numbers, and move out of danger of extinction."

Lady Michelle's efforts to reintroduce maritime species to the coastal waters and the Straits parallel Her Imperial Majesty's efforts to plant new redwood trees along the northern coasts of Ananto and the slopes of the Dragon Hills and eastern Vrassan Plateau in Kalistan. "To date Her Imperial Majesty has arranged the planting of more than 10 million trees as part of her effort," said the Princess. "She is showing us that it can be done, through diligent and dedicated effort. Here at the National Aquarium, we aim to do the same sort of thing at sea, and reintroduce species which have long been thought lost in our region. I may not live to see it, but I am confident that within two or three generations, by the time my great grandchildren are born, we definitely see orcas, seals, walruses, dolphins and all manner of fish thriving in these waters just off my home. Lodamun clearly wants to see this too, and we'd like to work together on the effort."

Lady Michelle has asked to travel to Lodamun along with Her Imperial Majesty's Minister of Environment and Tourism, Dr. Joseph Zearing to study the Lodamese Fishieries Board. "Mostly we want to see if something like this would work in the Empire," said Lady Michelle. "This may be an approach we can adopt as well, especially if it doesn't undermine our broader efforts at reintroduction in both Dulnerstaad and Sulari." It is likely that Her Imperial Majesty, Empress Mary I Ananto will grant the request to allow Lady Michelle and Dr. Zearing to travel in an official capacity to study the Lodamese efforts.

@TheRepublic