Jun 19 - Time An Issue in Curbing Effects of Deep Sea Pollution
David Adam of UK's The Guardian reports that the United Nations released a report warning that the human impact on deep oceans has been detrimental, causing an estimated three billion individual pieces of litter into oceans. With more and 90% of the world's living organisms residing in oceans, the UN noted that countries need to start managing oceans along ecological boundaries to curb the extensive damage and pollution the world's oceans have already experienced.
Damage to the once pristine habitats of the deep oceans by pollution, litter and overfishing is running out of control, the United Nations warned yesterday. In a report that indicates that time is running out to save them, the UN said humankind's exploitation of the the deep seas and oceans was "rapidly passing the point of no return".
Last year some 85 million tonnes of wild fish were pulled from the global oceans, 100 million sharks and related species were butchered for their fins, some 250,000 turtles became tangled in fishing gear, and 300,000 seabirds, including 100,000 albatrosses, were killed by illegal longline fishing.
California is starting to address this problem as marine debris continues to be a concern. AB 1940 (Karnette) would create a taskforce of members from multiple State Agencies to brainstorm, develop, and then implement a state plan addressing the problem of marine debris.
What You Can Do
- Support healthy oceans free of marine debris by sending an e-mail to your legislator!
- Send a support letter on behalf of your organization.