In a recent teambuilding event organized by Valletta Cruise Port, nearly a tonne of waste was removed from the inner Grand Harbour area of Marsa, a heavily industrial marine zone. The cleanup, conducted in just a couple of hours, yielded various forms of debris, including nylon fishing tackle, cable ties, polystyrene, and a range of plastics like PVC, polyethylene, and polyurethane. Additional items included sponges, detergent and oil bottles, pipes, cables, insulation materials, along with various disposables and mixed waste.
The initiative was a collaborative effort involving Valletta Cruise Port, the voluntary organization Coast is Clear, and TimesEvents. Coast is Clear has been pivotal in cleaning the seas surrounding Malta and Gozo, facilitating both land and sea clean-up activities. This includes efforts to plant trees aimed at enhancing Malta’s greenery.
The issue of plastic waste in oceans is alarming, with estimates suggesting there are between 75 to 199 million tons of plastic already present, and an additional 12 million tons entering marine environments annually. Of this debris, 70% sinks, 15% floats, and another 15% lands on beaches. Plastics decompose at a slow rate, breaking down into harmful microplastics that pose threats to marine life and eventually infiltrate the food chain, raising concerns for human health. Many marine creatures, including fish, turtles, and sea birds, fall victim to plastic pollution, with dire prospects that by 2050 there could be more plastic than fish in the oceans.
Stephen Xuereb, COO of Global Ports Holding and CEO of Valletta Cruise Port, praised the collaboration with Coast is Clear, emphasizing the importance of caring for the Mediterranean Sea. He expressed pride in the collective effort of the staff to collect waste, stating that such clean-up initiatives should be repeated annually to maintain the health of marine ecosystems.
Galea Pace, a representative from Coast is Clear, advocated for respecting Malta’s coastal waters for the sake of future generations, noting that clean coastlines attract both locals and tourists. He argued for increased awareness and responsibility toward marine protection, underscoring that the collective actions of individuals and companies—by embracing practices like reducing plastic consumption and focusing on the five Rs (Refuse, Reduce, Reuse, Repurpose, Recycle)—can significantly impact the fight against plastic pollution.
In summary, the joint effort by Valletta Cruise Port and Coast is Clear highlights the urgent need for community involvement in addressing the environmental challenges posed by plastic waste in our oceans. Through ongoing initiatives and a commitment to sustainable practices, stakeholders aim to foster a cleaner, healthier marine environment for generations to come.
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