Did you know that every year at least 8 million tons of plastic are dumped into the seas and oceans? It’s a nightmare!
All of us, in some way, are responsible for keeping the environment clean, but lovers of boat trips have a special commitment, because we live off the sea and enjoy it.
The oceans, which occupy 2/3 parts of our planet, among other contributions, protect the earth from climate change and provide food: more than 100 million tons of fish a year are for human consumption.
Have you ever wondered what you can do to take care of the sea when sailing?
Today we give you 5 tips to preserve the life of our oceans, which you can follow when renting a boat and tour the shores of the Mediterranean:
1.DO NOT DROP GARBAGE OVER THE EDGE AND BE CAREFUL WHEN REFUELING
Fishing gear and cigarette butts also pollute. Only the biodegradable can go to the sea. Carry reusable water bottles or thermoses on board, store food in non-disposable containers and use cloth bags. Attention to the wind, which can throw the garbage into the water without realizing it. When refueling a boat, take measures to avoid spills. In addition, use ecological lubricants.
2.DO NOT LEAVE WASTE ON THE BEACH AND COVES
After a lively day at the beach or a rest day in a cove, it is not so difficult to take your trash, is it? Don’t expect someone to take care of it! Cans, bags, wrappers, and butts left in the sand will likely end up in the sea. Remember: by 2050 there could be more plastic than fish in the ocean.
3. PRACTICE WATER SPORTS RESPONSIBLY
Beware of hitting corals or reefs when diving! Fins can damage marine plants, and lifting lots of sediment can stress fish. The balance of marine ecosystems is fragile. Be aware of the life that beats in those turquoise backgrounds that you like to contemplate so much. And of course, don’t take anything from the bottom: the shells are not souvenirs!
- AVOID THE USE OF PLASTICS
60-90% of marine litter is made of plastic polymers. Pollution by this material goes to the bottom of the oceans and reaches our tables through the food chain. Remember that some sunscreens and boat cleaning products can also harm the marine ecosystem. Both when sailing and on dry land, always choose biodegradable.
5. PAY ATTENTION TO THE ANCHOR AND NAVIGATION SPEED
Try to be very gentle when making the anchoring maneuver so as not to damage the delicate seabed with the anchor. Use buoys or choose sandy sea bottoms. Speeding while sailing can also affect depths. Respect the areas of reserves and especially the grasslands of Posidonia oceanica, a submerged ecosystem of great ecological value, where there is a great variety of fauna and flora.
Spain is the second country that pours more plastic into the Mediterranean, only behind Turkey. According to the UN, more than 60 countries have already taken measures to face the challenge of pollution of the seas. Give your grain of sand!
Do you have more tips to take care of the sea when sailing? Share them in the comments.
And now yes: you have to discover the beauty of the Mediterranean!
Contact us by mail or by WhatsApp (+34 676 600 792) if you want to rent a boat on the Costa Blanca, if you prefer to rent a sailboat (more ecological, of course) or if you are ready for a boat trip with a big group on a catamaran.
Sources consulted:
www.nationalgeographic.es
www.unric.org/es
www.miteco.gob.es
Spanish text writer:
Teresa De Vincenzo
www.redactotexto.com
Company contact:
Orsi Oletics
CEO
www.disfrutamediterraneo.com