Countering Marine Debris Problem - Research Paper Example

Introduction Throughout the world, the problem of marine debris both directly and indirectly affects marine and human life – Korean fishermen being no exception. Marine debris or litter is floating waste accidentally or deliberately created by human action in an ocean, lake, waterway or sea (Hunter, 2004). Oceanic debris has a tendency of accumulating on coastlines or at the centre of gyres and becomes beach litter when washed aground. While some marine debris occurs naturally, anthropogenic activities such as ocean dumping have greatly increased its level posing a great threat to the marine ecosystem, coastal habitation and also to boats (Johns, 2004). Constituents of Marine Debris The increasing use of plastics, which are by are nature non-biodegradable, unsightly and dangerous, is one major contributor to the growing levels of marine debris. Studies conducted in the past reveal that approximately 80% of marine debris is plastic - one component that continues to increase rapidly over time. While it is a fact that plastics photo-degrade on exposure to ultraviolet radiation, they only do so only under conditions that are dry or that do not inhibit photolysis. Other common constituents of marine debris include beverage cans, ghost nets, fishing lines, cigarette lighters, ropes, glass bottles, buoys, medical wastes, balloons and Styrofoam (Hunter, Collazo & Peoples, 2001). Oil and other hazardous materials released during shipping, offshore drilling, platform construction and spillage also pose great hazards to the marine ecosystem. Marine debris can entangle, destroy habitat or be ingested by marine animals thereby causing harm extensively to the naturally self-regulating ecosystem. Information on Marine Debris In order to successfully and sustainably solve the problem of marine debris in Korea, practical and effective educational programs to tackle the subject must be developed and implemented. Most fishermen in Korea, according to past studies, have very little knowledge about the impacts of marine debris on the ecosystem. One main plan of tacking the problem is by creating awareness of the sources (point and non-point), impacts and solutions to fishermen and community members. Information on marine debris in many cases is shared through marine debris brochures, guide books, activity books, press releases, videos, public forums and fact sheets tailored to particular audiences including students, educators, boaters, fishermen and beachgoers (Michael, 2001). Proper control and management of marine debris requires information on debris quantity, distribution and composition, specific regions, and sources. Information on marine debris can be collected by sampling selected areas under study over a period of time. Indeed without adequate information about marine debris, the problem would only prove almost unsolvable. One method of collecting data is by marking zones, transects and strata for sampling as was done in one such study in the Great Sydney region, Australia (Cunningham & Wilson, 2003). Programs for Controlling Ocean Debris Several programs have been undertaken in different countries with an aim of tackling the problem of marine debris. The practice of cost sharing, independent monitoring and testing program, partnering between government, fishery industries and communities throughout the world is commonplace in controlling marine litter. Funds for managing educational programs are generally generated through luncheons, fund raisings, corporate sponsorship among other means (Raymond, Schwarz &Werner, 1997). According to the Korea Marine Institute, in Korea, a total of eight training workshops were held between 2001 and 2003 aimed at discussing issues related to marine debris. Acqua-culture centers dredging services have been conducted between 1986 and 2001 in a concerted effort to free the marine environment of foreign materials. Further, a comprehensive styrofoam volume reduction system has been established and collected material reused in various ways (Johns, 2004). According to the Marine Plastic Debris Task Force floating fences have successfully been used to trap debris especially during rainy seasons. In many countries, deep sea photographing systems have been installed to monitor the presence of debris in water and on the ocean floor – one such system was established in 2002 in Korea (Johns, 2004). In order to find information on marine litter, surveys need to be conducted periodically to establish the nature of deposited marine debris and their distribution. Yet another successful program that has successfully been applied in certain parts of the world involves giving incentives to fishermen and community members who participate in the removal of debris during their activities (National Academies Press, 2008). Conclusion Controlling and monitoring marine litter requires partnership with NGOs, researchers, volunteers, government officials and local communities. Continuous training of stakeholders in the fisheries industry must be conducted in order to ensure the sustainability of programs aimed at solving environmental problems that face the marine and coastal ecosystems. Many different educational programs on the subject of marine debris have been embraced across the world – most of which have positively impacted life and could practicably be adopted by Korea in its pursuit for a clean and Health Ocean. Korea’s environmental management authority must assume an active role in monitoring and controlling marine pollution, wastewater management, and solid waste treatment and control. The government should also offer subsidies for coastal cleanup programs in support of the management authority. References Cunningham  J. Wilson P. (2003). Marine Debris on Beaches of the Greater Sydney Region; Journal of coastal research, vol. 19, no.2, pp. 420-429  Hunter C. (2004). Southeast U.S. Waterbird Conservation Priorities. US Fish and Wildlife Service Atlanta GA. Johns M. (2004). North Carolina Bird Species Assessment. NC Partners in Flight, Division of Wildlife Management, North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission. Korea Marine Institute. Marine debris management Case of Korea retrieved on 29th June, 2009 from http://www.wpcouncil.org/documents/APECSeminar/Regional%20Case%20Studies/Presentation%20by%20Capt.%20Dong-Oh%20Cho.pdf Hunter, W., Collazo. J. & Peoples L., (2001). Partners in Flight bird conservation plan for the South Atlantic Coastal Plain. American Bird Conservancy. Marine Plastic Debris Task Force (2007). Marine Plastic Debris Action Plan for Washington State, Dept. of Natural Resources. Publisher Washington State Dept. of Natural Resources. Marine systems retrieved on 29th June, 2009 from www.ncwildlife.org/pg07_wildlifespeciescon/WAP_Chapter5C.pdf Michael J. (2001). Handbook of Marine Science Publisher CRC Press. National Academies Press (2008). Tackling Marine Debris in the 21st Century National Academies Press. Raymond J., Schwarz N. &Werner W. (1997) Determining the Value of Non-Marketed Goods; Psychological, Economics, and Policy Relevant Aspects of Contingent Valuation Methods Springer Publishing. Read More