Ocean pollution: how does plastic affect yachting?

For the first time in the history of its existence, the oceans of our little blue ball are faced with the threat of mass pollution. The main danger lies in the potentially irreversible consequences for the entire globe, in particular the destruction of marine life.

Unfortunately, not only the inhabitants of the seas can suffer, but also us, brave and not so brave sailors and ordinary yachtsmen. The Earth's ecosystem is based on a delicate balance between its components, and therefore a violation of this balance will lead to very undesirable consequences.

Plastic and its impact

In fact, plastic is an amazing material that has changed human life. It is comfortable, durable and affordable. However, the main problem with plastic stems from its main advantage - durability. Having invented the technology for producing plastic, humanity did not think about its disposal until it was faced with the scale of an environmental disaster.

Most of the waste plastic ends up in the oceans, causing enormous damage to the marine ecosystem. Let's refrain from clichés and moralizing about how plastic pollution in the ocean is bad, and turn to the facts:

• right now there are about 50-70 trillion pieces of plastic and microplastic in the oceans in the form of recycled items, containers, bottles, etc.;
• Most (about 99%) of plastic is underwater, and only 1% can be seen on the surface;
• Every minute, the equivalent of a truckload of plastic is dumped into the ocean;
• The problem with garbage patches in the oceans is not even the plastic or trash itself - they simply block access to sunlight at the bottom, causing the death of a huge part of the ecosystem;
• Scientists discovered plastic at a depth of about 11 km, actually at the depth of the Mariana Trench.

This is just statistical data. They cannot be treated positively or negatively, this is simply a given that we have at the moment.

Microplastics are an even more insidious enemy

If we can see, touch, and even send ordinary plastic waste to special recycling sections, then microplastics are a real headache for the environment. The harsh truth is that microplastics have a disproportionate negative impact on the environment and marine life. 

Microplastics are tiny particles smaller than 5 millimeters in size. They are difficult to see, difficult to find and difficult to dispose of. The process of microplastic formation is simple: it arises from the decomposition of larger plastic products. 

Skeptics will object: “But scientists say that plastic does not decompose!” - and they will be absolutely right. Plastic really does not decompose; microplastic is still the same plastic, but in smaller sizes. “Decomposition” can occur due to mechanical impact on plastic waste over a long period of time.

Another possibility for microplastics is the use of shredded man-made plastic in cosmetics and industry. One way or another, microplastic easily ends up in the World Ocean, where it continues its destructive impact.

How does plastic affect living things?

Plastic has a double harm to living beings: it directly threatens life or gradually, but inevitably leads to death. This is true not only for marine life, but also for people.

Direct threat to life usually refers to deliberate interaction with plastic that can be fatal. We can often observe this picture in the animal world: a bird, fish or turtle gets entangled in dense plastic waste, which leads to the inability of the body to function normally. 

In addition, animals can consume plastic as food without realizing that it is not food at all. This is especially tragic for turtles, who continue to feel hungry even though their stomachs are full. As a result, they die of hunger.

Microplastics pose an even more subtle threat, as particles can accumulate in the body and cause serious problems. Most plastics are toxic and may contain carcinogens that disrupt the endocrine system. In animals, the consequences can range from developmental delays to problems with the reproductive system and disturbances in the functioning of the nervous and immune systems.

Yachting and tourism

The problem of plastic pollution is increasingly worrying the yachting community and tourism enthusiasts. For some, problems are limited to the appearance and aesthetics of their favorite places. Even on the most pristine beaches today you can find plastic that has washed ashore. 

A separate, really big problem is the recycling of old yachts. We discussed the issue in detail In this article, but let's give a couple of examples. Most of the problem hulls are made of fiberglass. Unlike ordinary plastic, which we have already learned to recycle with grief, it is simply impossible to recycle fiberglass safely today. 

In addition, existing methods of processing fiberglass are dangerous not only for the environment, but also for humans. As a result, the yachting industry has huge graveyards of old boats that not only take up space, but also gradually deteriorate, producing even more dangerous microplastics. 

The impact of plastic on weather and shipping routes

Naturally, plastic itself cannot influence the weather. However, its presence in the ocean is sufficient to trigger certain processes. The oceans play a decisive role in the planet's carbon cycle. They absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. 

This does not happen by itself - a wide variety of microorganisms, which directly depend on sunlight, take part in the processing of carbon dioxide. The attentive reader has already grasped the essence: plastic waste, entering the ocean, poisons the marine ecosystem, including microorganisms that are involved in the process of carbon and heat exchange. As a result, the ocean cannot cope with heat exchange and the overall temperature of the planet rises. 

What makes the situation worse is that plastic affects the physical characteristics of the aquatic environment. Plastic particles directly affect water clarity as well as temperature conditions. Thus, it turns out that the entire ecological system is connected - and is always trying to balance itself. We talked about the impact of global warming in the article about Jimmy Cornell's thoughts on this matter. We recommend you read it.

Plastic as part of its environmental impact

Plastic is only part of the overall problem. The climate and ecology inevitably change not only under the influence of natural processes, but also with the active “help” of humanity.

Unpredictability of weather

Yachting is experiencing a golden era. Potential yachtsmen realized that a yacht is not an element of luxury, but an affordable and enjoyable holiday. COVID has had a particularly strong impact on the popularization of yachting. As a result, sailing today is more popular than ever.

The same applies to shipbuilding. The yachts of 2024 are very different from the yachts of ten years ago from the same manufacturers. Shipyards place great emphasis on interior comfort and ease of operation, which attracts even more people to sail.

The problem is that cruises are changing. The main reason for these changes is climate. Already in May the temperature reaches levels more usual for June-July. On the contrary, winter winds become even stronger and angrier than usual. And although some regions of the planet are not so acutely aware of this problem, most yachtsmen and sailors see an extremely depressing trend.

The danger of such climate changes lies in the unpredictability of the weather. Weather unpredictability has been a problem that boaters and sailors have faced for centuries, but it is only going to get worse in the near future. For coastal cruises along the shores of the Mediterranean Sea, cruises along the rivers of Europe and the canals of France, little will change. But for those who love long treks, planning will become much more difficult.

Is the problem of climate change real?

Short answer: yes, it is real. However, the devil is in the details. Over the past 144 years, the planet's surface temperature has risen by 1.5°C. It would seem not much. But on a global scale, this is quite enough for the consequences that we are already seeing.

Abnormal temperatures in summer, warm or extremely cold winters, unseasonal phenomena (rain, snow, strong winds) are all consequences of climate change. Over time, temperature changes will only intensify, and weather conditions will become more severe.

One of the factors accelerating these climate changes is microplastics. We do not call for switching to composites or wooden cases, or abandoning the use of plastic bottles or bags. However, knowing the threat posed by microplastics, we should take a more responsible approach to their disposal.

Even if the yachting community can't clean up all the beaches and oceans, that doesn't mean it's not worth trying. Let's start small - we won't throw waste into the sea or pollute the beaches. For avid activists, there are programs that organize trash collection events. This is also a good way to get involved in saving your home planet. 

What should we do?

Responsibly dispose of all waste you generate. Microplastics are only part of the overall problem. In fact, this also applies to black water, which many unscrupulously dump into the ocean, and soapy water, and any other garbage.

The issue of waste disposal is more about a person’s approach to life than about preserving the environment. However, this statement is only true if we are talking about one specific person. If we are talking about 10,000 yachtsmen who at one point stop throwing waste into the ocean, draining black and gray water in a strictly designated place, and do not leave old boats to rot, then you will find that the planet has already begun to breathe a little easier. But isn't this the most important thing?

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A great review of the new catamaran Catana OC 50. Sasha Goron will tell you about the features of the catamaran and all the interesting details. Enjoy watching!

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04.05.2024