Counting the cost of marine debris

The damage caused by marine debris costs the member nations of APEC (Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation) around $US1.265 billion a year, according to a report prepared by the National Marine Science Centre in Coffs Harbour.

Professor Alistair McIlgorm, director of the Centre, said the report prepared on behalf of APEC was a first step in addressing the problem of marine debris.

Around 6.4 million tonnes of debris reaches the world’s oceans each year, and approximately eight million items enter the sea every day. The majority of the debris is plastic and comes from land-based sources.

“Marine debris is an issue that needs to be dealt with on a regional basis as littering in one country might have negative impacts in another country. However, until now, there has not been an awareness of the costs of marine debris on economies,” said Professor McIlgorm.

“Industries such as fishing, transportation, tourism and insurance are directly impacted by poor management of debris.”

The study also looked at the costs and benefits of controlling marine debris.

“Up to 80 per cent of marine debris comes from land-based sources, highlighting the need for land and marine agencies to work together to combat this problem,” he said.

“The best way to control marine debris is to stop litter from entering the ocean in the first place. There are methods in place to reduce litter entering the sea which are cost-effective.”

Professor McIlgorm said the challenge was to get all APEC member countries to take action on this issue.

“The report is designed to assist the understanding of the costs and benefits of controlling marine debris, and to empower governments, industries and the community to take action,” he said.

Professor McIlgorm will be giving a free public lecture on marine debris at the National Marine Science Centre on Thursday, 22 October, at 7pm. The APEC report is available for download from the APEC website www.apec.org

Photo: Around 6.4 million tonnes of debris reaches the world’s oceans each year, costing APEC nations around $US1.265 billion a year.