The world’s oceans are in peril due to vessels and ships polluting them with oily wastewater. Data gathered by prominent investigative journalists has shown that seafarers have been circumventing environmental laws, disregarding the risk of devastating effects on marine life and coastal ecosystems, in order to save time and money.
Scientific studies have revealed that this kind of pollution has a damaging effect on aquatic life and the surrounding environment. The pollutants, made up of oil derivatives such as engine oils, diesel, lubricants and fuel residues, are toxic to ocean organisms. It can cause damage to the gills and skin of fish, impair their mobility, reduce fertility rates and ultimately lead to death. These chemicals also accumulate at the surface of water which affects drinking water quality. Moreover it poses a threat to human health when toxins enter through food chains or air-borne particles when they evaporate into the atmosphere.
It is essential that we take immediate action to halt these practices before it is too late – for both our planet’s wellbeing and our own lives. That is why you should watch DW’s documentary about this issue – so you can get a closer look at what’s going on in the seas around us and become more aware about how our actions can impact nature in a negative way.
