Vol. 414 No. 4
48 Mr. G. O'Sullivan asked the Minister for the Marine if he will outline the proposals he has, if any, to make persons more aware of the damage and danger discarded plastic objects are to marine life; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Most of the plastics discarded on our coasts are generated by land-based domestic refuse or by the throwing overboard from ships and fishing vessels at sea of what are termed operational wastes viz. plastic garbage disposal bags, food containers, household products such as disinfectants, bleach and washing up liquid, synthetic ropes and nets.
Mindful of the damage a seafarer can cause to marine life, my Department, in conjunction with the Wildlife Service of the Office of Public Works, launched a poster campaign to discourage seafarers from "dumping over the side". The poster graphically highlights the adverse effects ships' garbage, especially plastics, can have on marine life and on safety at sea. My Department has sought to achieve the widest possible circulation of the poster. It has been circulated to all schools in the country, to fishing vessel owners, fishery co-operatives, yacht clubs and merchant vessel owners. I am gratified with the response the poster campaign has generated and am satisfied that increased awareness of the problem, particularly among the younger generation, has been achieved. The question of a "follow-up" poster is now under active consideration.
