Organizations like The Perfect World Foundation are at the forefront of this, and to address these pressing issues, we have partnered up on Project Ocean, a series of initiatives aimed at protecting our oceans. These efforts include:
- Salvaging maritime waste
- Recycling maritime waste
- Plantation of coral reefs
- Raising awareness through beach clean-ups
In this first piece of our new article series Turning the tide, we explore the first initiative – salvaging maritime waste – what it is, how it works and its challenges and benefits – not only for the environment, but also the economy and society.
Understanding maritime waste
Sources and impact
Maritime waste originates from various sources, including shipping operations, fishing activities, offshore energy production, and illegal dumping. For instance, abandoned fishing gear, also called ghost fishing gear, continues to trap marine life long after being discarded, while microplastics infiltrate food chains and harm biodiversity. The environmental toll is also intensified by the economic losses for industries reliant on healthy oceans, such as fisheries and tourism.
Salvaging vs. traditional cleanup
Salvaging maritime waste goes beyond surface-level cleanup. It involves recovering deeply submerged and large-scale debris, such as shipwrecks and abandoned equipment, which can often be overlooked in traditional cleanup efforts. This approach addresses the root causes of ocean pollution and transforms waste into valuable resources.
Challenges of salvaging maritime waste
Salvaging maritime waste can be challenging due to environmental risks, such as pollution and habitat disruption. Logistical difficulties arise from deep-sea recovery, with harsh weather conditions, and the size and weight of the debris, requiring specialized equipment. High costs and limited economic incentives can also make large-scale cleanup efforts difficult. Legal and regulatory hurdles, including ownership disputes, international jurisdiction issues, and hazardous waste regulations, can further complicate salvage operations. Additionally, ethical concerns over disturbing historical shipwrecks and marine life must be considered.
Benefits of salvaging maritime waste
Salvaging efforts help restore marine ecosystems by removing hazardous debris. This contributes to the recovery of biodiversity and enhances the resilience of ocean environments. Recovered materials can create avenues for new industries and markets, fostering a circular economy. Salvaging efforts can also strengthen community ties by involving local stakeholders in conservation efforts. They also preserve cultural heritage by recovering artifacts from historic shipwrecks and integrating them into educational initiatives.
The importance of turning the tide on maritime waste
Salvaging maritime waste is a powerful strategy to combat ocean pollution and increase sustainability. Despite the challenges, technological advancements and international cooperation are improving waste recovery efforts. Our vision at Greencarrier is to create a sustainable tomorrow, and through innovative approaches and collaborative efforts, we can, together with organizations like The Perfect World Foundation, support in turning the tide on maritime waste.
To read more about Greencarrier’s newly launched Blue Initiative and key partners, head here.
