When the Pacific Adventurer leaked around 270,000 litres of oil off Moreton Island in March, it was called one of Australia's worst oil spill disasters.

Now it's being claimed that local boaties are polluting waterways to the same extent, without caution. And it all comes down to old motors - that's what marine industry researcher Gary Fooks says. Marine Queensland General Manager Don Jones presented an alternative viewpoint. Hear the ABC radio interview aired this week.

http://blogs.abc.net.au/files/bfast-041109-boat-motor-pollution-calls-net.mp3
 
 
 

John Crawford Marine and Marine QLD is reminding boaties to stay safe and prepare their boats ahead of the summer storm and cyclone season.

“Summer is a great opportunity for families to take time out and enjoy our waterways” said Don Jones, General Manager Marine Queensland, “However, as we’ve seen in recent times, summer can also be a season of dangerous weather”.

With planning and preparation you can secure your boat and rest easy.

Peak State recreational marine industry body, Marine Queensland has today spoken out over concerns regarding the increased levels of pollution found in our waterways after the results of the Ecosystem Health Report Card were released this week.

“We all share a responsibility in keeping our waterways and beaches clean” said Don Jones, General Manager Marine Queensland.

“Contrary to popular belief as to the source of marine pollution, it is those who use the water the most – recreational boaties and fishermen – who are most passionate about preserving our marine environment.

“As this week’s Report Card highlighted it is run off from the mainland and sewage outlets which are causing the greatest damage”.

Whilst deliberate littering is a major issue for our beaches, bays and waterways, the greatest contributor to waterways pollution is the waste that occurs as a result of run-off from streets and roads via storm water drains.  Reports indicate that as much as 80% of the rubbish found in our waterways has come from the land.

“In Queensland, significant research and debate has been centered on designating ‘marine parks’ and ‘green zones’ to preserve our marine environments and the marine life therein.  It makes a mockery of the process when the hard work is undone by stray plastic bags, water bottles and other run- off that finds its way into the ocean from the mainland” said Jones.

“The only way we will be able to reduce the pollution in our oceans and pristine waterways is to reduce the pollution on our mainland.”