FATE OF SEAS AND OCEANS

Garbage dumped into the sea is no longer an environmentally or socially acceptable practice. Historically garbage was discharged into the sea, as the oceans were seen as vast domains where garbage disappeared because it either decayed or sank.Today marine debris in the oceans is one of the major threats to the marine environment, estimated to kill more than one million seabirds and 100,000 marine mammals and turtles each year through ingestion and entanglement. Plastic bags can be mistaken for jelly fish, a source of food for turtles and whales, while other plastic material is eaten by fish, seabirds and other marine life, causing death. Both non-biodegradable plastic products and so called biodegradable products once disposed into the sea can persist for indefinite periods of time and potentially cause damage to vessels and harm to humans and marine life.

The beauty of our coastlines is devalued as garbage accumulates. Beaches, often in remote places, are polluted by garbage washed up from the sea. Much of this garbage comes from ships, yachts, trawlers and other marine craft. The fact is that garbage does not just magically appear – it is generally the result of people’s negligence. Garbage is also costly for recreational boaters, the fishing industry and other vessels as rope and plastic materials may become caught in propeller shafts or block water intakes causing major damage, expensive repairs and loss of income while vessels are repaired. All seafarers are encouraged to recover persistent garbage from the sea as opportunities arise and if safety practices allow. Such garbage should be disposed at shore facilities and the circumstances reported to the authorities. If you use the sea for recreational or commercial purposes it is in your interest to ensure that our seas stay clean and unpolluted.