Poisoned Waters: The Threat of Canadian Mines to US Fish and Tribes

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For decades, toxic selenium from Canadian mines has contaminated US waters, decimating fish populations and violating tribal fishing rights. But British Columbia resists intervention.

Crystal clear waters flowing from Canada into Montana once teemed with trout. But mining waste has turned these transboundary rivers deadly.

Selenium pollution from Canadian coal mines deforms and kills fish eggs and larvae. Entire native trout populations have vanished from rivers in British Columbia.

This toxic drainage flows unchecked into rivers and lakes spanning the US border, accumulating up the food chain. Fish surveys now reveal plummeting numbers.

With lax oversight, contamination exceeds safe limits on both sides of the border, triggering alerts from scientists. But British Columbia downplays the impacts.

Tribal nations depend on these waters for cultural survival and food. The pollution violates treaty rights and steals their heritage, they say.

As fish disappear, tribes labor to restore habitats and species like the endangered burbot. But rising selenium makes survival uncertain.

US officials urge intervention by an international commission to curb the selenium crisis. But British Columbia still refuses involvement, defending the mining industry.

Under increasing pressure, the US and Canada pledged action last year. But as bilateral talks slowly advance, toxins continue invading US waters.

Time is running out to contain the massive pollution from Canadian mines flowing uncontrolled into rivers and lakes across the border. This is an urgent transboundary threat.

The health of priceless waters, fish and tribes hangs in the balance. Will Canada finally step up to halt the selenium scourge? Or will indifference and denial doom entire ecosystems?

With stakes this high, we cannot wait decades for a solution. The US must demand Canada curb mining pollution now before these waters and communities pay the ultimate price.

This is a test of political and moral resolve on both sides.

Let's demand Canada curbs mining pollution to protect fish, tribes and cross-border waters before entire ecosystems are lost forever.