Watersports and how they affect the marine ecosystem
- Wild Dirt
- Sep 7, 2023
- 3 min read
According to Tobias Schultz, the average surfer produces around 10 tonnes of CO2 per year just by surfing, making their carbon footprint 50% higher than that of the average citizen.
Although unsustainable fishing is known to be one of the main problems facing marine life, the marine ecosystem is affected by many other factors. Eighty percent of the waste that ends up in the ocean is plastic. According to National Geographic, an average of 8 tonnes of plastic waste enters the ocean every year. Surfing, kitesurfing and kayaking (among other water sports) have their own impact on the marine ecosystem. It is important to be aware of your impact and how you can reduce it.
Watersports and how they affect the marine ecosystem
The main environmental impacts associated with boating include: noise pollution, which affects marine life by disrupting the acoustic communication; chemical pollution; coastal erosion; and degradation of flora. Although there is an advantage in generating oxygen content in the water through the movement of their propellers, it is essential to try to reduce the level of impact.
According to Global Fishing Watch, around 91-93 million tonnes of fish are caught worldwide each year. They also note that "the proportion of unsustainable fishing has also increased dramatically: from 10% in 1974 to 33% in 2015”.
The production of a 3kg polyester surfboard generates 5kg of additional waste material, almost double the weight of the board. The main impact on the marine ecosystem is caused by plastics and microplastics, as well as the pollution involved in the production of the material used in water sports.
Many are made from petroleum derivatives such as polyester and polystyrene. The material degrades with salinity and erosion, contaminating the marine ecosystem and becoming microplastics ingested by marine life.
Despite the fact that this sport is virtually harmless to our oceans, the growth of snorkeling has recently led to a new interest in natural areas that were previously little frequented.
Many divers are concerned about the protection of marine ecosystems and the impact of humans on them. However, they can also cause damage to the marine habitat. Poor buoyancy control or finning control can have a direct impact on the dive site, destroying hundreds of years of coral growth in some species. Evidence of vandalism or deliberate destruction has even been found.
Fishing lines, bait or hooks are just some of the debris commonly found after practicing this sport. Another problem is the spread of invasive species, which completely alter marine ecosystems.
Raising awareness and educating not only water sports enthusiasts, but also the entire chain and stakeholders involved, is more important than ever. The circular economy has a fundamental role to play in preserving the marine ecosystem. Some of the steps to be taken could be:
Extending the useful life of sports equipment
Recycle the material
Using organic and environmentally friendly materials in the manufacturing process.
Travel less polluting
Everyone can also do their bit:
Caring for ecosystems and picking up litter
Avoid restricted areas or protected areas
Not leaving litter behind
Avoid plastic bags that blow away and end up in the water
Don’t touch wildlife
Do not take anything from the site: no sand, rocks, fish or plants.
Do not feed the animals, you may change their habits and routines.
These steps are as simple to write as to be done. Watersports and how they affect the marine ecosystem is more than just another "there's no planet B" article. It is about commitment, passion and respect of what surround us.
