Our seas are burdened with debris

MARINE recreation is a popular activity as an escape from the stresses of bustling urban life.

Whether snorkelling, diving or just a quick swim, many people find that being in the water puts their bodies and minds at ease.

Yet beneath the ocean’s surface lies a growing concern: the pervasive threat of marine debris and their impact on sea creatures.

Water sports enthusiasts tell StarMetro that their activities are being marred by the sight of everything from empty plastic water bottles and shoes to nets and other fishing gear both in the sea and washed up on the beach.

A turtle entangled in a ghost net near Pulau Tioman off the coast of Mersing. — Photos courtesy of Reef Check Malaysia

Lau Shu Ying, a 35-year-old certified freediver and scuba diver from Perak, described the ocean as having therapeutic qualities.

“Observing the topography and marine life in the ocean is one of my favourite activities as it brings me a sense of calm,” said the embryologist.

However, that calm was now disturbed, she added.

“There are cans, plastic bottles and plastic bags littering the seafloor.

“The coral reefs also seem to have diminished compared to my last visit a year ago,” said Lau, reflecting on the underwater environment of Pulau Perhentian in Terengganu.

LA Outdoor Sport founder Ng Cho Sian, 45, recounted a disturbing discovery his team made while diving at Perhentian – a mattress lying on the seabed.

Cho Sian’s dive team found a mattress in the waters of Pulau Perhentian.

“Throughout the years of cleanup dives around Malaysia, we discovered a variety of items we never thought we’d find underwater,” he said.

Similarly, during a visit to Pulau Mantanani in Sabah, technical executive Yong Kae Wen, 30, of Kota Kinabalu was shocked by the abundance of debris on shore.

“The side of the island where we stayed was clean and beautiful but the other parts without tourists were littered with rubbish,” he said.

“I only came across that part of the island on my way to view the sunset.

“The residents seemed unaware of the importance of environmental cleanliness and how leaving trash on the beach would result in it ending in the water,” he added.

According to former resort water sports and recreation manager Dasuki Selan, 40, the side of Pulau Mantanani where residents stayed was often littered with rubbish, extending to the tip of the island.

“Because the water source on the island is not potable, many residents buy mineral water from the mainland.

“There is no proper place for villagers to dispose of the trash, which has led to the accumulation of plastic bottles on the island,” added Dasuki.

Threat to marine life

According to a report from the Marine Parks Department, Malaysia has 612 reef building coral species – 77% of the world’s total recorded species.

However, marine debris, particularly plastic waste, is posing a significant challenge to ensuring the continued health of the country’s coral species.

Mogesh says humans can ingest microplastics and pollutants via consumption of seafood.

The severity of the issue has been highlighted by environmental activist Mogesh Sababathy, 26, who has a bachelor’s degree in marine biology and is pursuing a doctorate in molecular biology.

“The magnitude of the issue is huge and it doesn’t get the attention it deserves,” he said.

According to statistics from a survey conducted by Utility Bidder, a United Kingdom energy service provider, Malaysians discard about 2.29kg of plastic per person each year into the sea.

The dumping of plastic waste and other rubbish into the ocean poses a grave threat to the marine ecosystem.

According to a 2017 United Nations Environment Programme report, by 2050, oceans could be teeming with more plastic than fish.

Marine debris manifests in various forms, from ghost nets to fragmented plastics and metal debris, each posing a significant threat to marine ecosystems.

Reef Check Malaysia chief programme officer Alvin Chelliah, 38, who lives on Pulau Tioman, Pahang, said marine life was affected by debris in three ways: entanglement, suffocation and ingestion.

Reef Check Malaysia cleared 30 tonnes of rubbish from Malaysia’s beaches last year, says Alvin.

“Fish, crabs and coral reefs can get easily entangled in marine debris such as fishing nets.

“This can cause severe damage, including injuries and death,” he said.

Other marine animals such as turtles, which need to surface to breathe, and sharks which need to be on the move constantly, could also be suffocated by marine debris.

“They can also die from ingesting debris such as plastic films, bottles and metals.”

Mogesh said one organism that was particularly vulnerable to the perils of marine debris was coral.

“Coral reefs serve as the ‘trees’ of marine ecosystem, regulating most of the biological processes in the ocean, if not all,” he said.

These habitats are under siege from rubbish in the waters.

Alvin said last year they removed about 7.6 tonnes of ghost nets from the reefs of Pulau Tioman.

“During the International Coastal Cleanup last year, we collected 273,807 items weighing nearly 30 tonnes from beaches around Malaysia.”

Alvin also said what posed the biggest risk for coral reefs was discarded fishing gear.

“Fishing gear gets stuck on the reefs, causing damage and also blocking sunlight which can result in coral death,” he said.

As corals suffer, so do the myriad species that depend on them for survival, triggering a chain reaction of ecological upheaval.

Long Adventure (LA) Outdoor Sport freediving instructor Ng Mun Ling, 33, cited how marine debris could affect an entire ecosystem.

She said sharks, positioned at the top of the food chain, played a crucial role in maintaining the balance of the marine ecosystem.

“They help regulate the population of other marine species, including those that contribute to the health of seagrass beds.”

According to NGO Ocean Conservation Trust, seagrass is vital for the marine ecosystem because it served as a habitat for numerous species.

Ocean lovers can help by raising awareness about rubbish on shore (pic, above) or by participating in beach cleanups (pic below). — Photos courtesy of LA Outdoor Sport

It contributed to oxygen production and provide a crucial carbon sink, absorbing and storing carbon dioxide.

“As seagrasses decrease due to predation and other pressures, the ocean’s capacity to absorb carbon dioxide decreases, making climate change worse,” Mun Ling said.

However, the impact of marine debris extends far beyond ecological concerns as it also had profound implications for human health and livelihoods.

Mogesh warned of the threat posed by bioaccumulation – the process through which toxic pollutants accumulate in the tissues of marine organisms.

“When marine life consumes the trash we discard into the ocean, they ingest microplastics, chemicals and other pollutants.

“These substances remain in their bodies and eventually make their way into the seafood on our plates.

“While the effects of consuming polluted seafood may not be immediately visible, they could lead to serious health problems such as cancer and a weakened immune response,” he said.

In March, researchers writing in the New England Journal of Medicine using special microscopy techniques found microplastic and nanoplastic chemicals in the plaque lining arteries.

In the observational study of more than 250 patients who were having tests for carotid artery disease, finding polyethylene in their plaque was associated with heart problems compared with those without having any plastics detected.

Other studies report finding microplastics and nanoplastics in blood as well as in the liver, kidney, placenta and arteries.

Making a difference

Alvin attributed the bulk of marine debris to improper waste management and suggested a number of practical steps that individuals can take to support marine conservation efforts.

“We need to be mindful of what we buy, conserve energy and reduce water and electricity consumption.

“Adopting responsible waste disposal practices such as recycling and composting is also helpful.

“Through simple actions like these, we will be able to make a great difference,” he said.

Mun Ling stressed the importance of human action, particularly in eliminating single-use plastics.

“We need to minimise usage of single-use plastics by opting for reusable alternatives such as water bottles, shopping bags and containers.

“Every choice we make to reduce plastic consumption contributes to lessening the burden on our oceans.”

Cho Sian said people needed to secure their rubbish in bins, otherwise they might be carried by winds and eventually end up in the sea.

Mogesh also encouraged the public to engage in meaningful discussions, join organisations and take incremental steps towards a more sustainable future.

“Share your knowledge and passion for marine conservation with friends, family and your community.

“Engage in conversations about the importance of ocean preservation and inspire others to take meaningful action in their daily lives,” he said.

He said individuals could explore opportunities to support marine conservation organisations financially or through volunteer work.

Beach and underwater cleanups across Malaysia are regularly organised by dive shops and environmental organisations such as Reef Check Malaysia and LA Outdoor Sport.

On top of LA Outdoor Sport’s annual clean-ups, the company also has a policy of conducting clean-up sessions after diving.

“This policy aims to educate and instil a sense of responsibility among divers as it is our duty to care for the environment,” Cho Sian said.

Various organisations across Malaysia such as B&J Diving Centre, Borneo Dream, Tengah Island Conservation and Langkawi Scuba are also actively involved in marine conservation efforts.

“We must care for the environment because we are intricately linked with the health of our ecosystems. Let us each play our part in safeguarding our oceans,” Mogesh said.