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›› What’s meant by the “maritime environment” vs the “marine environment”?
›› What are the main types of marine pollution from ships?
›› Aren’t there laws to stop marine pollution?
›› What other threats are there to the marine environment?
›› When was the last big oil spill in New Zealand?
›› So what’s so bad about oil?
›› Who’s responsible for the maritime environment?
›› How can I get involved?
›› World Maritime Day 2007
›› Links to more information
What’s meant by the “maritime environment”?
When we talk about the maritime environment and the marine environment, both are about the sea. However, the “maritime environment” is more about ships and boats and the oil drilling platforms that explore and produce offshore oil and gas.
The “marine environment” refers to the bigger picture of all the living things that live in or on the sea, eg seabirds, marine mammals, fish, snails, shellfish, sponges and seaweed.
The world’s oceans cover 70% of our planet, and for us in New Zealand, being an island nation, the health of our ocean, land and people are all linked together. We use the ocean for trade, fun, fishing and food gathering. The beauty and cleanliness of New Zealand's marine environment brings people from all over the world to visit. At the same time it is the responsibility of all of us to protect and preserve that environment.
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What are the main types of marine pollution from ships?
Unfortunately not everyone is careful about keeping our sea waters clean, eg:
- oil – every year hundreds of diesel, petrol and oil spills pollute our harbours and coastline – between July 1998 and April 2004 there were 778 oil spills reported to Maritime New Zealand!
- chemicals – chemicals and other noxious liquid substances can present a hazard to the marine environment – this includes a wide range of products such as vegetable oil, raw materials from manufacturing and waste or by-products from industry
- sewage – we’re talking toilets – sewage from ships, fishing boats and recreational boats is not just an environmental issue, it’s a public health issue!
- rubbish/garbage – no plastic waste or waste that is classed harmful to the marine environment is to be disposed of at sea at any time.
- ballast water – ballast water is carried in empty ships to provide stability – it’s pumped into ships before the voyage begins. However, tiny stowaways in the form of marine organisms are also taken on board. Some of these organisms may become pests, threatening seas, inland waters and fisheries.
- antifouling paints – these are applied to the underwater parts of the hulls of both commercial and recreational vessels to prevent or slow down the growth of things like barnacles - they can be poisonous to other sea life.
- air pollution – the exhaust from ships contains greenhouse gases like carbon dioxide as well as sulphur and nitrous oxides. There may also be remainders of unburnt fuel and soot particles, which can be harmful to human health.
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Aren’t there laws to stop marine pollution?
All vessels from the smallest recreational boat to the largest containership must comply with a range of environmental regulations to protect New Zealand seas for the future of you and others.
See Environmental Requirements for all Vessels for more information.
New Zealand's Marine Protection Rules are made by Maritime New Zealand to stop or control discharges of waste, including oil, chemicals and garbage. If you break these rules then this can lead to heavy fines.
Maritime New Zealand also has a responsibility for preventing marine pollution caused by the dumping and disposal of waste in our Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ), which goes out to 200 nautical miles from land.
There are of course other groups who also have responsibilities for our coastal and marine environment.The following examples all link to external websites: Regional Councils, the Department of Conservation, Ministry of Fisheries, Biosecurity New Zealand, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade and the Ministry for the Environment.
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What other threats are there to the marine environment?
Water pollution comes from a lot of different places, but actually the number one reason that our rivers, lakes and beaches get dirty is from pollutants that flow into storm drains. In addition, farming and the resulting runoff from agricultural activities is a major pollution problem.
And let’s not forget the one that’s headlining the news currently – climate change and the greenhouse effect, which of course affects ocean temperature and levels and will have major impacts on the marine ecosystems and species.
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When was the last big oil spill in New Zealand?
On the evening of 6 February 2002 huge waves caused the log ship Jody F Millenium to break free from its moorings in the Gisborne harbour. Tugs tried to hold the ship steady, but she became unsafe and authorities decided that the best place for her was back out at sea.
The ship left the harbour, was hit by the heavy swell and ran aground on the beach. The incident was reported to Maritime New Zealand (then known as the Maritime Safety Authority) and a Tier 3 oil spill response was declared. Tier 3 means it’s really serious and Maritime New Zealand takes over!
The Marine Pollution Response Team swung into action to co-ordinate with the salvage effort and contain and clean up the oil. This was a huge and complex exercise. Pictured is the Jody F Millenium and oil on the beach before it was cleaned up.
You can read more about Past oil spill responses and also download a case study about the Jody F Millenium.
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So what’s so bad about oil?
One of the most visible and distressing effects of an oil spill can be the suffering of oiled wildlife.
Oil damages the waterproofing on birds’ feathers so they get cold and can’t swim, float or fly. The toxic components of oil can render birds unconscious and cause serious or fatal illness.
The rescue, care and rehabilitation of oiled wildlife – like the duck pictured – require special training.
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Who’s responsible for the maritime environment?
Maritime New Zealand is the government agency that helps makes sure our marine environment is safe, secure and clean in New Zealand.
Did you know Maritime NZ owns over $10 million dollars of equipment that includes a wide range of booms, pumps, oil skimmers and dispersant chemicals!
Maritime NZ is based in Wellington, but it also has a team of experts, based in Te Atatu, called the Marine Pollution Response Service, who have specialist knowledge and equipment about how to deal with oil spills. They also run training courses for people who might be involved in a marine oil spill.
More detailed information about Oil spill response is available that includes links to training, equipment and photos.
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How can I get involved?
Marine pollution and oil spills are not just a problem with big ships. If your family has a boat, or you know someone who does, you can help protect our marine environment by reminding them to dispose of all waste correctly – and that means oil, oily water, plastics, food waste and sewage.
Most spills in the recreational boating sector result from careless refuelling or pumping oily bilge water overboard. Check out the Environmental Protection in Recreational Boating page for more information.
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World Maritime Day 2007
In 2007 the theme of World Maritime Day (officially celebrated on 27 September) is about challenges to the maritime environment. The theme was set by the IMO (International Maritime Organization).
The environmental theme is very topical and although World Maritime Day does not have a high profile, Maritime NZ has decided to start small, ie with the primary schools in the vicinity of our Marine Pollution Response Service who have been invited to participate in a couple of projects.
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Links to more information
The following is a list of useful websites. These are just a starting point as there’s lots of information available once you start googling!
Major incident site
Download a series of fact sheets about oil and what’s involved in an oil spill response.
Australian Maritime Safety Authority
Includes lots of resources for teachers and kids including the Fix-a-slick online game – an oil spill clean-up simulation game that requires you to select methods to clean-up a marine oil spill.
Ministry of the Environment > Issues > Oceans
Includes a section aimed at young people.
Kids’ page on oil in the sea
Links to lots of other websites …
Oil, Water and Chocolate Mousse
This isn’t really about chocolate mousse. It is about oil, water, and oil spills. Chocolate mousse is a name given to a particular combination of oil and water that sometimes forms when oil is spilled.
International Maritime Organization
In-depth information about the IMO including the “marine environment”.
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