Even the 'Protected' Places Aren't Safe

I used to think the ocean was big enough to hide our mistakes. That if we drew a line—no boats, no tourists, no industry—the water would heal itself. But the oysters don’t lie. We pulled them from places so restricted I needed two permits and a week of emails just to get in. Still, every single one had microplastics inside. I remember holding a shell, thinking about how far those particles traveled, how none of us are really separate from the mess we’ve made. I keep re-reading the data, hoping for a mistake. But the truth is, no matter how careful I am, it’s not enough. The ocean keeps the receipts. And I’m just tired of pretending that local fixes can clean up a global wound. #ScienceFatigue #EcoAnxiety #LabBurnout #Science