Bermuda's old capital yesterday slapped a ban on helium-filled balloon launches amid fears for the Island's marine life.

And St. George's Mayor Lois Perinchief called on Environment Minister Arthur Hodgson to outlaw mass launches of the balloons, branded a menace to turtles and other sea creatures.

Ms Perinchief said: "We recognise that helium-filled balloons, when launched, become a serious environmental hazard, especially to Bermuda's marine life.

"The St. George's Corporation, therefore, officially prohibits all deliberate launchings of helium-filled balloons anywhere within the town's legally-designated boundaries.'' And she added: "Furthermore, we recognise that helium-filled balloons pose a serious environmental hazard to Bermuda as a whole, particularly to the Island's marine life.

"The Corporation formally requests that the Minister of the Environment investigates the feasibility of imposing an Island-wide ban on the deliberate launching of all balloons.'' Balloons and plastics are often mistaken by sea life for food due to their similarity to jellyfish. They swallow them, which can poison them or block their digestive systems, leading to death.

The Corporation move came after environmentalists weighed into Cup Match organisers after a balloon release at the opening ceremony at St. George's Cricket Club last month.

Club officials later vowed that similar balloon releases would no longer be held at the ground.

Last night James Conyers -- who complained about the Cup Match balloon release -- welcomed the Corporation ban.

He added that several of the Island's environmental groups were considering approaching Mr. Hodgson to seek a ban on mass balloon launches.

Mr. Conyers said: "This is a start. It's nice to see that organisations within the Country can take action on their own. It's very positive.'' He added that concern was mounting world-wide over plastics ending up in the sea.

Mr. Conyers said: "We can only go by what we see in animals which wash up on Bermuda's shores -- and we have seen animals with their stomachs full of plastic particles.

"I know several states in the US are implementing a ban on these launches -- it's seen as a potential threat, especially to marine life.'' Mr. Hodgson was yesterday off the Island and could not be contacted for comment.

But -- after the St. George's balloon row blew up -- he said the Ministry discouraged the launching of helium balloons where possible.

He felt the problem hadn't yet reached the proportions where tougher measures were needed.

Foot down: St. George's Mayor Lois Perinchief