Lesson 5: PRECAUTIONS TO PREVENT POLLUTION OF THE MARINE ENVIRONMENT

What is Marine Pollution?

 Occurs when harmful, or potentially harmful, effects result from the entry into the ocean of
chemicals, particles, industrial, agricultural, and residential waste, noise, or the spread
of invasive organisms.
 Eighty percent of marine pollution comes from land. Air pollution is also a contributing factor by
carrying off pesticides or dirt into the ocean. Land and air pollution have proven to be harmful
to marine life and its habitats
 The pollution often comes from nonpoint sources such as agricultural runoff, wind-blown debris,
and dust.

Different Types of Marine Pollution

Marine pollution can take many forms, such as:

Physical pollution

 Physical pollution refers to the introduction of discarded materials into the ocean
environment. This refers to the presence of sediments, thermal pollution (cold or hot
water) as well as the introduction of waste into the oceans by humans.
 Plastics thrown into the sea can stay there for many years and harm marine life. A huge
number of marine animals die every year from either ingesting or becoming entangled
in plastic trash.
 Garbage can also threaten ships and raise costs when it becomes trapped on
propellers and in seawater intakes.

Sewage

 Sewage contains chemicals that alter the marine environment, causing some marine life to
die and other marine life to flourish. This throws off the natural balance of marine
ecosystems.

INTRODUCTION TO MARITIME SAFETY C/M RENE L. LORENO

  Sewage can also deprive marine environments of oxygen, killing off entire populations in
affected areas

Products with Potentially Harmful Effects

 When released into the oceans, chemicals used in the shipping industry (sometimes referred
to as chemical runoff) can cause harm to marine life as well as to maritime workers.

Oil

 Poisons marine life, and oil slicks keep sunlight from penetrating the ocean’s water, killing
plants and damaging the entire marine ecosystem.

Noise

 From a ship’s sonar can have devastating effects on marine animals like whales and dolphins
that use sound to communicate with one another.

Biological Pollution

 While we often hear about physical and chemical pollution, biological pollution was
something that was quite new to me, and hence peaked my interest.
 Biological pollution refers to the introduction of living organisms, which grow and become
invasive, into the environment.

INTRODUCTION TO MARITIME SAFETY C/M RENE L. LORENO

BASIC PROCEDURE FOR PROTECTING THE MARINE ENVIRONMENT

MIND YOUR CARBON FOOTPRINT AND REDUCE ENERGY CONSUMPTION

Reduce the effects of climate change on the ocean by leaving the car at home when you
can and being conscious of your energy use at home and work. A few things you can do to get
started today: Switch to compact fluorescent light bulbs, take the stairs, and bundle up or use a
fan to avoid oversetting your thermostat.

MAKE SAFE, SUSTAINABLE SEAFOOD CHOICES

Global fish populations are rapidly being depleted due to demand, loss of habitat, and
unsustainable fishing practices. When shopping or dining out, help reduce the demand for
overexploited species by choosing seafood that is both healthful and sustainable.

USE FEWER PLASTIC PRODUCTS

Plastics that end up as ocean debris contribute to habitat destruction and entangle and
kill tens of thousands of marine animals each year. To limit your impact, carry a reusable water
bottle, store food in non-disposable containers, bring your own cloth tote or other reusable bag
when shopping, and recycle whenever possible.

HELP TAKE CARE OF THE BEACH

Whether you enjoy diving, surfing, or relaxing on the beach, always clean up after
yourself. Explore and appreciate the ocean without interfering with wildlife or removing rocks
and coral. Go even further by encouraging others to respect the marine environment or by
participating in local beach cleanups.

DON'T PURCHASE ITEMS THAT EXPLOIT MARINE LIFE

Certain products contribute to the harming of fragile coral reefs and marine
populations. Avoid purchasing items such as coral jewelry, tortoiseshell hair accessories (made
from hawksbill turtles), and shark products.

BE AN OCEAN-FRIENDLY PET OWNER

Read pet food labels and consider seafood sustainability when choosing a diet for your
pet. Never flush cat litter, which can contain pathogens harmful to marine life. Avoid stocking
your aquarium with wild-caught saltwater fish, and never release any aquarium fish into the
ocean or other bodies of water, a practice that can introduce non-native species harmful to the
existing ecosystem.

SUPPORT ORGANIZATIONS WORKING TO PROTECT THE OCEAN

Many institutes and organizations are fighting to protect ocean habitats and marine
wildlife. Find a national organization and consider giving financial support or volunteering for
hands-on work or advocacy. If you live near the coast, join up with a local branch or group and
get involved in projects close to home.

INTRODUCTION TO MARITIME SAFETY C/M RENE L. LORENO

 INFLUENCE CHANGE IN YOUR COMMUNITY

Research the ocean policies of public officials before you vote or contact your local
representatives to let them know you support marine conservation projects. Consider
patronizing restaurants and grocery stores that offer only sustainable seafood, and speak up
about your concerns if you spot a threatened species on the menu or at the seafood counter.

TRAVEL THE OCEAN RESPONSIBLY

Practice responsible boating, kayaking, and other recreational activities on the water.
Never throw anything overboard, and be aware of marine life in the waters around you. If
you’re set on taking a cruise for your next vacation, do some research to find the most eco-
friendly option.

EDUCATE YOURSELF ABOUT OCEANS AND MARINE LIFE

All life on Earth is connected to the ocean and its inhabitants. The more you learn about
the issues facing this vital system, the more you’ll want to help ensure its health—then share
that knowledge to educate and inspire others.

THE LEGAL REQUIREMENTS THAT PROTECT THE MARINE ENVIRONMENT

 The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), particularly through its Regional Seas
Programme, acts to protect oceans and seas and promote the environmentally sound use of
marine resources. The Regional Seas Conventions and Action Plans is the world's only legal
framework for protecting the oceans and seas at the regional level. UNEP also created The
Global Programme of Action for the Protection of the Marine Environment from Land-based
Activities. It is the only global intergovernmental mechanism directly addressing the connectivity
between terrestrial, freshwater, coastal and marine ecosystems.
 To ensure that shipping is cleaner and greener, IMO has adopted regulations to address the
emission of air pollutants from ships and has adopted mandatory energy-efficiency measures to
reduce emissions of greenhouse gases from international shipping. These include the
landmark International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships of 1973, as
modified by a 1978 Protocol (MARPOL), and the 1954 International Co
 In 2014, important regulatory developments in the field of transport and trade facilitation
included the adoption of the International Code for Ships Operating in Polar Waters (Polar
Code), expected to enter into force on 1 January 2017, as well as a range of regulatory
developments relating to maritime and supply chain security and environmental issues.

INTRODUCTION TO MARITIME SAFETY C/M RENE L. LORENO

IMPACT OF MARINE POLLUTION

Effect of Toxic Wastes on Marine Animals

Oil spill

 is dangerous to marine life in several ways. The oil spilled in the ocean could get on to the gills
and feathers of marine animals, which makes it difficult for them to move or fly properly or feed
their children. The long term effect on marine life can include cancer, failure in the reproductive
system, behavioral changes, and even death.

Disruption to the Cycle of Coral Reefs

 Oil spill floats on the surface of water and prevents sunlight from reaching to marine plants and
affects in the process of photosynthesis. Skin irritation, eye irritation, lung and liver problems
can impact marine life over long period of time.

Depletes Oxygen Content in Water

 Most of the debris in the ocean does not decompose and remain in the ocean for years. It uses
oxygen as it degrades. As a result of this, oxygen levels go down. When oxygen levels go down,
the chances of survival of marine animals like whales, turtles, sharks, dolphins, penguins for long
time also goes down.

Failure in the Reproductive System of Sea Animals

 Industrial and agricultural wastes include various poisonous chemicals that are considered
hazardous for marine life. Chemicals from pesticides can accumulate in the fatty tissue of
animals, leading to failure in their reproductive system.

Effect on Food Chain

 Chemicals used in industries and agriculture get washed into the rivers and from there are
carried into the oceans. These chemicals do not get dissolved and sink at the bottom of the
ocean. Small animals ingest these chemicals and are later eaten by large animals, which then
affects the whole food chain.

INTRODUCTION TO MARITIME SAFETY C/M RENE L. LORENO