PITCH-IN CANADA
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Statistics show Canadian Marine Debris on the Increase

VANCOUVER: Canadian garbage found on European beaches is increasing according to English researchers scouring beaches, reports PITCH-IN CANADA, the national organization combatting indiscriminate disposal of waste into the environment.

"Statistics show that the volume of Canadian debris washing up on English beaches is up 30 percent, " says Valerie Thom, Program Manager, PITCH-IN CANADA. "Marine debris has become a major problem in recent years as a result of increased shipping, coastal populations and the use of long-lasting synthetic fibres and other materials. Canada, with the world's longest shoreline, not only adds to, but is also the recipient of, debris on its Pacific, Atlantic and Arctic coastlines. Marine debris is a hazard to small craft and a significant threat to all marine inhabitants, from shrimps to whales, due to entrapment and/or ingestion."

"Garbage floating in our oceans is a serious concern. It's an international problem. What is disposed of in one part of the world often ends up washed up on a beach hundreds or thousands of miles away," according to Thom who acknowledges that solving the problem requires education, better on-shore disposal facilities and tough, enforceable legislation.

The English research which pinpointed Canadian debris among its findings has been conducted for more than two decades by Trevor Dixon, a University professor, long-time friend of PITCH-IN CANADA and one of the leading international researchers of marine debris. Dixon's research, which started in the early '70s, led him to develop an international model for measuring marine debris. This model has now been widely accepted by several countries, including Canada.

PITCH-IN CANADA was a founding member in 1976 of Clean World International, an international Secretariat concerned with waste reduction and recycling. The international Secretariat has been leading efforts to establish a world-wide research methodology for gauging the volume and effects of marine debris.

"It's important to tackle this problem aggressively but armed with facts," says Thom while emphasizing that it is important to be able to document the increasing problem of marine debris. "Government officials have difficulty appropriating funds to combat a problem unless we can show them that the situation is deteriorating and that requires trend analysis."

PITCH-IN CANADA has, in the past, produced and narrated a 30 minute documentary for PITCH-IN CANADA, entitled OUR CHANGING WORLD: Cleaning Up The World, which graphically illustrates that the world's oceans have become a dumping ground for debris, harming natural eco-systems and seriously damaging wildlife. It also outlines actions which the United States, Canada and European countries have taken to address the problem.

One such action is legislation. "International legislation, going back to 1972, has attempted to reduce marine debris. Unfortunately, oceans are easy places to dispose of waste and often the consequences aren't considered. `Out of sight, out of mind' attitudes still exist but, increasingly, they come back to haunt us. The increase of Canadian waste on English beaches is only one example."

Many consider Canada's Shipping Act, which includes dumping and waste regulations for ships in Canadian waters, to be more stringent than international legislation. However, the Act doesn't require, as do international agreements such as MARPOL, Annex V, that all docks provide adequate and proper waste disposal facilities.

"Most of our large ports have adequate disposal facilities and usually do not present a problem. However, there are thousands of smaller ports, small craft harbours and private marinas that do not," comments Thom.

Authorities in countries who are signatories to MARPOL, Annex V, are also able to board foreign vessels to inspect the ship's waste disposal facilities and manifest which documents when and where the vessel disposed of its waste. Some ships, in order to save increasing waste disposal costs in port, still dispose of their waste over the side prior to entering port and while they are in international waters. Plans call for Canada to become a signatory to Annex V in the next few years. When it does, the infrastructure and enforcement capabilities will need to be in place at all of Canada's many small craft harbours and private marinas to enable these facilities to more adequately control vessel waste. Canada will also have greater ability to get tough with all foreign vessels to ensure they dispose their waste properly.

Thom is quick to point out, however, that not all marine debris originates from ships or shipping related facilities. "There are many known sources: inadequate sewage outfalls, improperly situated and uncontrolled landfills, as well as recreational boaters. It has been suggested that, in some areas, these sources of marine debris may outstrip shipping sources. Our research program aims to get the facts to support or dismiss these suggestions."

"Our country's longest coastline in the world provides us with not only many maritime opportunities but also responsibilities. It's in our interest to keep our waters clean and to be a leader in urging other countries to do the same."

Canadians prepared to participate in PITCH-IN CANADA's volunteer programs can register their interest by visiting PITCH-IN CANADA at  www.PITCH-IN.ca, by email at pitch-in@PITCH-IN.ca or by writing to Box 45011, Ocean Park RPO, White Rock, B.C., V4A 9L1.

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To contact Valerie Thom click here