ACTION ON MARINE PLASTIC NEEDED
The Tasmanian Greens today called on the Environment Minister to ensure the protection of Tasmania’s marine creatures and sea birds by taking action to reduce plastic marine debris.
Greens Environment spokesperson Cassy O’Connor MP said recent findings by Tasmanian scientist, Dr. Jennifer Lavers, stating that 96% of flesh-footed shearwaters found dead on Lord Howe Island contained shards of plastic, highlighted the urgent need to deal with this escalating problem for marine species and sea birds.
“We have long known about the effects of littered plastic on our marine creatures, but the recent research by Dr. Lavers, showing such devastating effects upon one of Australia’s threatened species is shocking,” Ms O’Connor said.
“Many sea creatures and birds mistake plastic for food, which leads to death for the animal, either by blocking the digestive tract or by the chemicals from the plastic leeching into the animal’s bloodstream.”
“Plastic pollution in our marine environment affects every Tasmanian beach, a distressing example of how our unsustainable way of life is quietly killing the natural world.”
“The National Litter Index recently highlighted the amount of litter found in Tasmania, a significant amount of which ends up in our marine environment, killing untold numbers of marine animals.”
“Minister Wightman again acknowledged that litter is a serious problem, but did not articulate any proactive solution. I urge the Minister to seek a briefing with Dr. Lavers on the catastrophic impact of plastic pollution on Tasmania’s marine species, for which he has stewardship.”
“Marine debris is a serious problem for Tasmania, as an island state, and it is my sincere hope that Minister Wightman will take the matter seriously and act to reduce the impact on our precious sea creatures and birds,” Ms. O’Connor said.
“Implementing the Parliament’s tripartite ban on plastic bags would be an excellent start.”
“The Greens are very frustrated by the Minister’s continued heel-dressing on this issue.”
MARINE DEBRIS ACTION NEEDED
The Tasmanian Greens today called on the Environment Minister to ensure the protection of Tasmania’s marine creatures and sea birds, for the second day running, by taking action on plastic marine debris.
Greens Environment spokesperson Cassy O’Connor MP said plastic pollution in our marine environment is an escalating problem for our marine species and sea birds, who mistake littered plastic for food, leading to death either by blockages in the animal’s digestive tract or by the chemicals from the plastic leeching into the animal’s bloodstream.
“Yesterday, we highlighted the recent research by Dr. Lavers, showing the effects of littered plastic on our marine creatures and sea birds.” Ms. O’Connor said.
“Plastic pollution in our marine environment can be seen on every Tasmanian beach, this is a distressing example of how our unsustainable lifestyle is silently destroying our natural assets.”
“The National Litter Index recently highlighted the amount of litter found in Tasmania, a significant amount of which ends up in our marine environment, causing an untold level of fatalities.”
“I strongly urge Minister Wightman to take plastic pollution in our marine environment seriously as the elected representative for our voiceless sea birds and marine creatures.”
“Marine debris is a serious problem for Tasmania, as an island state, and it is my sincere hope that Minister Wightman will take the matter seriously and act to reduce the impact on our precious sea creatures and birds.”
“Implementation of the ban on plastic bags, which was given tripartisan support last November would be an excellent start, and I am disappointed in the ongoing delay to implementing this critical component of any effective waste management strategy.” Ms. O’Connor said.
Cassy O’Connor MP
Greens Environment spokesperson
