Raising awareness of plastic in oceans
ACCLAIMED Australian sailor and climate activist Jon Sanders, 80, is using his latest solo voyage around the world to bring attention to the dangers of plastic in oceans.
Yesterday Sanders docked at the V&A Waterfront, where he was greeted by renowned South African paddleboarder, surfer and adventurer Chris Bertish. The two discussed the importance of raising awareness of microplastics in oceans.
“This challenge has reached global-crisis proportions, where we are seeing plastic and single-use plastics littered across all oceans and beaches, not just locally in South Africa but in Africa and globally,” said Bertish.
“We need to act now and work together to address this challenge all over the world, and it’s inspiring to see someone of Jon’s age continue to use his adventures to highlight this message for future generations.”
Sanders does not show any sign of slowing down, as the climate and ocean crises become ever more serious.
He has instead increased his efforts to raise awareness of marine pollution and its effects, to encourage action against it.
Sailing his trusted yacht, Perie Banou II, Sanders left his native Western Australia on November 3 last year to highlight the #NoPlasticWaste campaign, supported by the Australian philanthropic organisation, The Minderoo Foundation.
Throughout his voyage so far, Sanders has been collecting water samples so the extent of microplastics in oceans, predominantly south of the equator, can be determined.
During each stop, the samples are sent to Curtin University in Western
Australia, for analysis by the Department of Organic and Isotope Geochemistry Centre. The analysis will provide information on the amount and type of microplastic particles found in those oceanic regions.
According to a study based on data collection over an 11-year period, it was estimated that 21 290 metric tons of floating microplastics were in the North Pacific.
However, in the Southern Pacific, little data has been collected towards providing a clear indication of the extent of the damage caused by microplastics.
“It’s a pleasure to be in Cape Town raising awareness for such an important issue. We need people to sit up and take notice because if we don’t act now, our oceans and our marine life will be irreversibly damaged,” said Sanders.
He urged those concerned about plastic in oceans to sign The Minderoo Foundation’s #NoPlasticWaste petition. “The petition calls on individuals to pledge their support for world and business leaders to commit to recycled plastics.”