Peter Edwards | Urgent need to address plastic pollution and protect coastal ecosystems

Plastic pollution is one of the most pressing environmental issues, and its impact on coastal ecosystems is particularly devastating. Jamaica is a small island with mountains and hills that lead down to the sea. This means that waste, including plastics, when not properly disposed of, inevitably find their way to the ocean and coastline.

In Jamaica, the mangrove forests, seagrass beds, and sandy beaches, which are vital to the health of our coastal environment and national economy, are under severe threat from plastic waste. These unique ecosystems provide numerous benefits, including coastal protection, carbon sequestration, and a habitat for diverse marine life, tourism and recreation. However, the increasing influx of plastic debris is jeopardising the survival of these ecosystems and, consequently, the well-being of our communities.

Mangroves act as natural barriers against storm surges and coastal erosion, protecting both human settlements and natural habitats. They also play a crucial role in mitigating climate change by capturing and storing significant amounts of carbon dioxide. Unfortunately, plastic pollution disrupts these essential functions. When plastic waste accumulates in mangrove areas, it can smother the roots, hinder growth, and reduce the trees’ ability to absorb carbon. This not only weakens the mangroves but also diminishes their capacity to protect our coastlines and combat climate change.

Seagrass beds, another critical component of Jamaica’s coastal ecosystems, are also suffering from plastic pollution. Seagrasses provide a habitat and food for a variety of marine species, including fish, turtles, and manatees. They, too, play a significant role in carbon sequestration, helping to mitigate climate change. In addition to capturing carbon, seagrasses also play a role in capturing and creating the white sandy beaches that we depend on for tourism. However, plastic debris can smother seagrass beds, blocking sunlight and hindering their growth. This not only affects the marine life that depends on seagrasses but also reduces their ability to capture and store carbon and stabilise the coastline.

Sandy beaches, essential for tourism and recreation products, are not immune to the impacts of plastic pollution. Plastic waste can accumulate on beaches, creating unsightly and hazardous conditions for both humans and wildlife. Marine animals, such as birds and turtles, often mistake plastic debris for food, leading to ingestion and entanglement. This can result in injury, starvation, and even death. The presence of plastic waste on beaches can also deter tourists, impacting the local economy and livelihoods of communities that depend on tourism.

MULTIFACETED APPROACH

Addressing plastic pollution requires a multifaceted approach. It involves reducing plastic production and consumption, improving waste management systems and promoting community awareness and engagement. Governments, businesses, and individuals all have a role to play in this effort. By enforcing the existing regulations on plastic use, investing in sustainable alternatives, and supporting clean-up initiatives, we can make significant strides in protecting our mangroves, seagrass beds, and sandy beaches, and preserving the health of our coastal environments.

There are already promising efforts underway to enhance the protection and restoration of mangrove areas through science and international climate policy. However, the success of these efforts is in jeopardy if the problem of plastic pollution continues unabated. We need to think about eliminating the sources of waste before they get to the coast. It makes no sense to have annual beach clean-up activities just to start all over again after the next big rain event.

This year’s international clean-up day will be on Saturday, September 21. Several organisations will be out in force cleaning up our beaches and coasts. These activities are hugely important for galvanising community support and highlighting the importance of working together to address plastic pollution. However, each Jamaican can also take immediate steps to reduce their plastic footprint. They can avoid single-use plastics and participate in more local clean-up efforts. In addition to individual action, it is also equally important for Jamaican citizens to pressure the government and the private sector to implement policies and initiatives aimed at reducing plastic pollution from the source. This includes promoting the adoption of innovative approaches to packaging, improved waste collection, reuse and recycling.

It is critical to start reducing plastic waste and safeguarding our mangroves, seagrass beds, and sandy beaches, not only for the sake of our environment but also for the future of our communities and the planet.

Peter Edwards, PhD is a marine scientist and environmental economist. He serves as a council member of the Jamaica Institute of Environmental Professionals and is the environment sector lead for the Global Jamaica Diaspora Council. Send feedback to columns@gleanerjm.com