ISSUE
The Argentine maritime coastline and its ecosystems are being critically affected due to the increasing pollution. 70% of the waste found on the coasts comes from plastic materials. Some of these are carried by currents and winds from the sea, and others from land, through rivers, streams, subway conduits and human activities on beaches.
In the Patagonian coasts, most of the plastic waste comes from fishing activities. This industry uses several plastic materials such as ropes, crates, fishing nets, buckets, and gloves that in their daily handling end up being discarded or lost in the sea.
It is estimated that, worldwide, almost one million tons of fishing gear are abandoned, lost or discarded in the oceans each year. The most alarming part is that only 15% of this plastic waste that enters the sea ends up on the coasts, where we can see it and take action. The other 70% sinks to the seabed, while the remaining 15% drifts on the water surface.
The big question is... When and why do fishing plastics end up in the ocean? There is no unique answer. It occurs at different times of the activity and for different reasons, among which the following stand out:
- Unfavorable weather conditions
- Abandonment and loss
- Inefficient port logistics for litter reception
- Negligent management of plastics at the port
- Old or poorly maintained equipment
- Hooks on the seabed
- Entanglement with other fishing gear.
IMPACT
Plastic pollution caused by the fishing industry represents a huge threat to biodiversity and marine and coastal ecosystems, especially to endangered species and vulnerable habitats. Compared to other plastics, fishing gear causes major impacts due to its potential to further entangle and entrap marine species, including protected species, and its potential to cause damage to the environment.
This phenomenon is known as "ghost fishing" and refers to the unintentional capture of marine species by nets, lines, longlines, and traps that have been abandoned or lost in the sea during fishing operations and that continue to catch, on their own, all forms of life in their way.
Another peculiarity of marine plastic pollution is the exposure of plastics to the erosive power of ocean currents. Over time and with exposure to a variety of environmental factors such as the sun and waves, plastics wear down and degrade into tiny particles known as "microplastics". Once plastic is at this stage, it is almost impossible to remove it from the environment. «microplásticos». Una vez que el plástico llega a este estado es prácticamente imposible de eliminar del ambiente.
Many studies that analyze this issue and show the impact of plastic on the species of the Argentine sea point out two main forms in which they affect marine biodiversity:
- Entanglements: The presence of abandoned and drifting ropes, lines, or nets in the sea can have serious consequences for marine life, including fish, turtles, birds, and marine mammals. These animals can be severely injured, strangled, and infected as a result of their interaction with these debris. Moreover, they can limit their ability to move and feed themselves, leading to the eventual death of the individuals.
- Ingesta. Ingestion. Both larger plastics and microplastics are accidentally ingested by an enormous number of marine species, from large marine mammals that mistake them for their prey, to filter-feeding organisms and plankton species. This phenomenon can cause different degrees of gastrointestinal obstruction, with complete obstructions being the most serious. Like entanglement, the ingestion of plastics harms animals, affecting their health and survival.
Habitat degradation: These plastics in turn can alter and degrade marine habitats through physical damage or changes in the physical and chemical composition of marine sediments. Physical damage lowers the quality of marine habitats and can damage key feeding, breeding, and refuge sites. Lost or degraded habitats in turn reduce the resilience of marine species and their ability to survive, and can ultimately alter complex marine ecosystems and reduce local biodiversity.
COMMUNICATION, AWARENESS, AND CONCRETE ACTIONS
SANHV carries out different fieldwork activities to address different aspects related to the conservation of the environment.
These actions are divided into two main groups. On the one hand, we work on systematic beach cleanups aimed at repairing the coasts of two important coastal towns in Chubut: Puerto Madryn and Rawson. In addition, we strengthen this work with environmental education and interpretation activities that include talks and meetings with the local community, as well as massive communication campaigns in which we seek to make visible, spread, and inform about the issue of the poor management of fishing waste and litter.
Our goal is to encourage the implementation of effective measures to solve this problem at its root. We seek to create an inclusive and collaborative network, multi-sectorial and with a multidisciplinary vision. Including partnerships with other local NGOs, ventures that promote the circular economy, government authorities, and private companies. Only by joining efforts for the protection of the Argentine Sea, will we be able to repair its habitats and rebuild our connection with nature.
IS BEACH CLEANING THE SOLUTION?
No. So why do we do it? It has been demonstrated that environmental education, communication campaigns, and actions with the community aimed at raising awareness and promoting changes in habits can be very effective in contributing to the reduction of plastic pollution and particularly important for countries that currently do not have proper waste management systems in place.
Our work is focused on raising awareness, involving and motivating the community on this issue, to generate a significant impact at a social and political level. We seek to make fishing plastic pollution a relevant concern for people, thus driving an active demand for effective and sustainable solutions.
This social demand can trigger important actions, such as making polluters responsible for the damage caused, improving the practices of the fishing industry in the management of its litter and wastes (including planning, reduction, sorting and storage of litter) and promoting the implementation of effective waste management systems based on the principles of the circular economy.
