Sustainable solutions for a cleaner ocean

The blue economy is as important as the green economy, and we must work together to achieve a sustainable ecosystem. One major issue affecting the oceans is pollution from marine debris. This includes plastic bags, various plastic items, discarded fishing nets, metallic pollutants, wood disposals, rubber pollutants, and waste from restaurants and tourist spots that often leave behind significant amounts of trash. Additionally, some waste originates from the port and other areas in coastal regions. 

However, individual actions are crucial in the fight against plastic pollution. People are increasingly using more eco-friendly materials, such as bamboo, for packaging and serving. Besides recycling plastic, residents can adopt innovative ideas to tackle maritime debris. 

Using magnetic devices is one such innovation. These tools can remove metallic pollutants, such as lost fishing rods and other metal debris. Magnetic retrieval tools, equipped with strong magnets, can attract and retrieve metallic objects from the ocean floor. Underwater magnetic retrievers, often used by divers, efficiently collect lost fishing gear, metal debris, and other metallic pollutants. These tools can be handheld or attached to remotely operated vehicles (ROVs) for deeper or more hazardous areas.  

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Another method is magnetic fishing, where powerful magnets attached to ropes are submerged in water to attract and remove metal debris. Enthusiasts and volunteers can organize magnet fishing events to clean up polluted areas along the coast and around docks. Floating magnetic sweepers, typically used in construction and industrial settings, can be adapted for marine environments. These sweepers, deployed in harbors, marinas, and coastal waters, attract and collect metallic debris and can be towed behind boats or placed in areas with high concentrations of metal pollutants. 

Utilizing environmentally safe solvents to break down rubber without harming the environment is another effective strategy. Terpene-based solvents, derived from natural sources like citrus peels, can effectively dissolve rubber and other hydrocarbons. These solvents are biodegradable, and less toxic compared to traditional chemical solvents. An example is d-Limonene, a solvent extracted from the oil of orange peels, which can dissolve rubber particles in a way that minimizes environmental impact. Bio-based solvents produced by companies like Green Solvents and Bio-Solvent Technology are made from renewable resources. These solvents can break down rubber waste without releasing harmful chemicals into the environment, making them suitable for marine applications. 

Efficient removal of wood debris is also essential. Mechanical removal with specialized vessels equipped with nets and cranes can efficiently collect and remove large wood debris from the ocean. For instance, the “Seabin” project, originally designed to capture floating plastic, can be adapted to collect wood debris in harbors and coastal areas. Organizing regular beach and underwater clean-up activities with the help of volunteers and local organizations is another effective method. Examples include the International Coastal Cleanup (ICC) initiative by the Ocean Conservancy, which could be tailored to focus on removing wood debris in addition to plastics and other waste. Applying natural biodegradation accelerants, like fungi or bacteria that specialize in breaking down lignin (a complex organic polymer found in wood), can help decompose wood debris more rapidly in marine environments. Research and pilot projects on using such biological agents can offer sustainable solutions to manage and reduce wood debris.