time or another probably noticed the ocean. Indeed it is something that from time to time reminds us of its presence, should anyone forget. In fact the ocean has been, and continues to be, a key element in the development and survival of Bermuda. It was from out of the ocean that Bermuda emerged 110 million years ago and it was the ocean that brought the first settlers nearly 400 years ago. Historically, residents have relied completely upon the ocean for transport and for food. In more recent times residents have relied upon the ocean for leisure and tourist revenue. Yet for all of its importance and beauty, the ocean is facing some very real threats. Unchecked or careless human activities can upset the natural balance, often leading to unpredictable consequences.

A major source of marine pollution, that anyone who has been on the water or along the shoreline has seen, is floating garbage and plastic debris.

At the very least this debris is unpleasant to look at, but more seriously it is a major danger to a wide range of marine animals. Plastics of all sizes are causing death and destruction. Sea birds die from eating tiny pieces of styrofoam pellets which look like fish eggs, and whales, dolphins and turtles can become entangled in nylon ropes and nets and drown. They can also die of very slow starvation from plastic bags or balloons, which look much like squid or jellyfish in the water, if ingested when feeding. Once inside, the plastic can form a plug that blocks the throat or intestines thus preventing any more food from being digested. Lost fishing gear, including fish pots, nets and especially monofilament fishing line, can go on catching and killing marine life indefinitely. This form of pollution is non-selective -- it kills anything that is unfortunate enough to get caught up.

Unlike humans, who have the use of their hands, these marine animals cannot easily untangle themselves when caught. A turtle, for instance, that is not immediately drowned by rope or fishing line is forced to drag it through the water. This means that it is now unable to swim properly, eat properly or dive as deeply as it was once able to do, it cannot stay underwater for as long, and has to work much harder when surfacing to air. A turtle, or a whale, or even a fish in this condition is doomed to die.

It has been proven that it can take two months for an apple core to completely decay if thrown in the ocean, 50 to 80 years for styrofoam, 200 years for an aluminium soda can and up to 600 years for most non photo-degradable plastics (which include six-pack holders, plastic bottles and fishing line). Data shows that there is a trend in the number of injuries and deaths of these animals, which are directly attributed to the carelessness of humans.

While some people might think that dropping a plastic bag, six-pack holder or fishing line from a boat or from the shoreline is acceptable and insignificant, when compared to the tonnes of plastic dumped by other countries, it all contributes to the ever-increasing problem of marine pollution. Many people do not fully appreciate, or care, just how important and delicate the relationship is that exists between Bermuda and the ocean that surrounds us. There is a real need to educate people that the ocean is not a dumping ground. Just because we cannot often see the effects of our activities does not mean that they do not exist, or that they have no consequences.