The Marine Environment
The world's oceans cover 70% of our planet. They contain some of the richest areas of biodiversity. The seafarer is part of the marine environment. When he sees humpback whales leaping clear of the water and crash back down or a pod of dolphins playing in the bow wave of a ship, he knows that his actions affect this wonderful environment. He knows that he must protect the oceans and coral reefs from pollution and damage.
But by far and away the largest source of marine pollution is that caused by non-point sources running off the land. The US National Academy of Sciences report that 85 percent of the 29 million gallons of oil that enter North American ocean waters each year as a result of human activities came from land-based runoff, polluted rivers, airplanes, and small watercraft.
Over 2 billion tonnes of oil is transported around the world every year and in 2005, regrettably, 17 thousand tonnes were spilt into the oceans. Which means that 99.999% of all oil is delivered safely, an enviable safety record.
However, this does not excuse the spilling of oil as any oil entering the marine environment must be avoided. The International Maritime Organization has take the lead in ensuring the prevention of pollution from ships. In 1973 the international shipping community adopted the International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships (MARPOL). This convention is constantly updated to ensure that it remains the primary international instrument. For example, in May 2005, a new Annex VI to MARPOL on prevention of air pollution from ships entered into force.
The result of this is that the shipping industry works within a very strict regulatory regime. But the shipping industry accepts that more needs and so is active in research and development programmes to explore new ways to make shipping even safer.
By placing freight on ships and taking them off trucks and aircraft, CO2 emissions, congestion and the use of hydrocarbons will all be reduced. This is a goal we can all strive for. Sea’s the future.
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