There secret beachin Natal in Brazil, one of the most fascinating and wild in the region, is at the center of a environmental problem increasingly evident. Its golden sand and crystal clear waves hide a dark side: one massive quantity of waste from Asian countries and from other parts of the world. Plastic bottles, engine oil containers and packaging of cleaning products accumulate on the coast, transforming it into a real garbage cemetery.
A recent reportage of the BBC He highlighted that most of these waste comes from nations such as China, Indonesia, Malaysia, South Korea and Singapore. Plastic, in particular, often presents itself in almost intact conditionsa sign that it has not remained at sea for decades but has been abandoned more recently. Despite the prevalence of Asian products, there are also waste from Brazil, the United States and Africa.
Experts indicate that the main cause of this situation is illegal disposal of waste by merchant ships. The ocean is one of the main global transport routes and the boats operating between Asia and South America are numerous.
The problem of illegal waste disposal by merchant ships
During the trip, the waste produced on board often comes thrown into the sea Instead of being disposed of in ports, due to the rates imposed for their correct disposal. This practice, prohibited by international conventions, continues to be widespreadwith serious environmental consequences.
In addition to disfiguring the beaches, plastic and other waste represent one serious threat to marine fauna. Animals such as turtles and marine birds risk ingesting plastic fragments or being trapped in waste, with often fatal consequences. In addition, the degradation of microplastic plastic has an impact on the food chain, reaching human beings through the consumption of contaminated fish.
The Brazilian authorities, including the Navy and the Ibama, are responsible for monitoring ships and the protection of the coasts, but the inspections and fines. Experts suggest solutions such as the introduction of a fixed rate for waste disposal in ports and greater control over ship practices. However, without a concrete commitment globally, the problem of marine pollution it will continue to worsenputting the coastal ecosystem at risk and the quality of life in the affected areas.
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