Marine Qld voices concerns on Queensland water health

by Marine Qld on 26 Oct 2009 Peak State recreational marine industry body, Marine Queensland has today spoken out over concerns regarding the increased levels of pollution found in our waterways after the results of the Ecosystem Health Report Card were released this week.

'We all share a responsibility in keeping our waterways and beaches clean' said Don Jones, General Manager Marine Queensland.

'Contrary to popular belief as to the source of marine pollution, it is those who use the water the most – recreational boaties and fishermen – who are most passionate about preserving our marine environment.

'As this week’s Report Card highlighted it is run off from the mainland and sewage outlets which are causing the greatest damage'.

Whilst deliberate littering is a major issue for our beaches, bays and waterways, the greatest contributor to waterways pollution is the waste that occurs as a result of run-off from streets and roads via storm water drains. Reports indicate that as much as 80% of the rubbish found in our waterways has come from the land.

'In Queensland, significant research and debate has been centered on designating ‘marine parks’ and ‘green zones’ to preserve our marine environments and the marine life therein. It makes a mockery of the process when the hard work is undone by stray plastic bags, water bottles and other run- off that finds its way into the ocean from the mainland' said Jones.

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The only way we will be able to reduce the pollution in our oceans and pristine waterways is to reduce the pollution on our mainland.'

Marine Queensland has identified measures we can all take, both on and off the water to reduce our impact on the environment:

- Be conscious of rubbish. Always make sure your rubbish ends up in the rubbish or recycle bin at the end of a fishing trip. Pick up a stray bit of rubbish floating by your boat or washed up on the beach.

- Be careful when refuelling or conducting boat maintenance whilst out on the water. Take care to avoid spilling fuel and oil.

- When emptying sewage holding tanks make sure you do so at a designated sewage collection outlet or at the very least, in accordance with the rules and regulations set out by the local government or port authority.

- Do not dispose of solvents, oils, paints, varnish, thinners, paint strippers, pesticides, poisons, fertilisers, acids and solid objects down the drain. Check with you local council as to the correct, and environmentally friendly, methods of disposal for these items.

- When washing the car and boat at home, try to do so on the lawn or a grassy area. This will minimise the run off of detergents that will find their way into storm water drains and into the ocean.

- Ensure all rubbish from cars and around the home ends up in rubbish bins.

More at www.marineqld.com.au