A dramatic tap video causes indignation for the attention of one of the most penetrating and preventing threats of the ocean: balloon pollution.
Posted by Boating Company Vessel Mastery (@vesselmastery), the video shows a skipper who fishes a bundle of balloons from the sea. “Please do your part,” the caption insists. “The ocean is from the beings who live in it, we are guests.” The maker's plea contains a call for pop balloons before they float away and inform children about the destruction they cause. “We are the example,” the caption continues. “Please share this with as many people as possible!”
Simply after the captain picks up the balloons, we see a pod whales that swim near the surface. The message raises important questions about a festive staple that has become an environmental threat.
Although balloons are associated with parties and joy, they cause damage to marine ecosystems. When ecosystems are disabled, the effects in our food chain wrinkle. Moreover, local communities that rely on the ocean can suffer from fishing, tourism and other means of existence. Most balloons are made of plastic that does not break. Instead, it changes to microplastics, which harms human health when they enter our food, drink water and bodies.
Balloons can float miles before they land in sensitive habitats. Marine animals often confuse deflected balloons for jellyfish or other food, which leads to fatal blockages or injuries. Research shows that balloons belong to seabirds one of the most deadly forms of ocean waste. A study from 2019 published in scientific reports showed that birds that soft plastic such as balloons were 32 times more likely to die than those who ate hard plastic. Balloon ribbons and strings also reinforce birds, turtles and other wild animals.
Fortunately, organizations such as the Ocean Conservancy on public education campaigns and balloon release prohibited, while some US states and municipalities have already established local restrictions. For everyone who plans a celebration, the environmentally conscious movement to completely skip the balloons is to switch to reusable or biodegradable decorations.
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Commentators on the video did not stop.
“Why are they not forbidden?” asked one.
“I draw everything and everything I don't see there,” added another. “Also near the coast when I am over. Straws … plastic … Litter etc. The wind blows it all.”
A third chimde in: “Thank you for your service, my friend.”
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