Plastic pollution

Muscat: The escalating issue of dumping rubbish and the influx of floating plastic into our oceans presents a grave concern. This also poses a significant threat to marine life, including fish, seabirds, marine reptiles and mammals, as well as boats and coastal habitats.

An alarming estimated 1.9 billion tonnes of waste finds its way into the world’s oceans each year, underscoring a concerning trend of indiscriminate disposal rather than utilising designated waste receptacles.

The potential repercussions of this garbage epidemic extend beyond environmental consequences, encompassing the well-being of human health and public safety. The harmful effects of waste pollution manifest through animal poisoning, suffocation-induced fatalities in aquatic life, and adverse impacts on water quality.

Youssef al Abri, a seasoned fisherman since his youth, says that waste disposal into the sea does not solely affect marine organisms, but also significantly impacts fishermen. It can lead to the loss or damage of their vessels, compromising their livelihoods.

Al Abri further emphasises that marine pollution directly contributes to the loss of biodiversity in the seas. Plastic bags and other marine debris can adhere to the bodies of fish and other marine animals, leading to their demise when consumed. This perilous situation can potentially trigger a food crisis, given that a substantial percentage of the population relies heavily on fish as a vital food source.

“Public participation in preserving the marine environment is of utmost importance, necessitating awareness campaigns to shed light on the perils the marine environment faces and the cruciality of its preservation,” adds Al Abri.

In the ongoing battle against marine debris and pollutants, a series of laws and policies have been implemented to curb pollution.

The Environment Authority (EA) consistently disseminates information through social media platforms, highlighting the Environmental Protection and Pollution Control Law as part of raising awareness.

This law explicitly prohibits the dumping of waste or any other materials, irrespective of type, shape, or condition, into marine environments without prior authorisation from the Environment Authority.

The law enforces penalties for offenders, including imprisonment ranging from one month and no more than two years, and fines ranging from RO 5,000 and no more than RO 50,000, or one of these two penalties.

Marine pollution can be reduced through the proper disposal of rubbish by ensuring they do not find their way into the ocean.

Confronting the imminent dangers of pollution, which threaten life and exacerbate human suffering, necessitates a collective understanding of the significance of preserving ecosystems.

Everyone should play an active role in environmental preservation and protect our surroundings from pollution, thereby securing prosperity and well-being for all and guaranteeing the rights of future generations to natural resources and a safe, clean environment.

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