When it comes to sharks, ocean plastic isn’t far behind, and there are some interesting developments in that regard. First let’s take a look at The world’s largest hammerhead shark?, which is part of Disney’s annual Sharkfest series now rolling out on Disney+ and National Geographic channels. CleanTechnica had the chance to speak with scientist Candace Fields, who can be seen in the Hammerhead movie, and she spilled the beans on the world’s largest hammerhead shark… or didn’t she?
The world’s largest hammerhead shark?!
You’ll have to watch The world’s largest hammerhead shark? on July 18 to the future Dr. See Fields in action. Fields is currently nearing the end of her Ph.D. travel to International University of Floridawhere she studies shark populations and other large predators.
CleanTechnica had the opportunity to sit on the phone with Fields earlier this week. She brings a wealth of experience to the film, in part due to her background as a resident of the Bahamas, which happens to be the home of a huge shark sanctuary that has become a major source of tourist revenue and other activities for the country’s economy.
So far, 40 species of sharks have been spotted in the refuge, established in 2011 with Nature conservationthe organisation WildAid Marine and other partners (edited by interview for length and clarity):
CleanTechnica: Tell us a little about yourself.
Fields: I’m from the Bahamas so I get into the topic with local knowledge about sharks. The shark sanctuary was established in 2011 as the first in the Atlantic Ocean. It followed a commercial ban on longline fishing in 1993.
The Bahamas is unique in that the shark sanctuary occupies almost the entire jurisdictional waters of the country. It is a good model partly because there are so many species present, and it is very accessible. Another factor is cultural, as eating shark meat is not part of the culture in the Bahamas.
CleanTechnica: Tell us about The world’s largest hammerhead shark?
Fields: Not much is known about great hammerhead sharks. It’s fascinating how elusive they are. Everyone thinks sharks are everywhere, but catching a great hammerhead really is quite a challenge. The most interesting thing is to understand how difficult it is to find them.
CleanTechnica: What do you want the public to know?
Fields: It’s easy to think sharks are a threat to us, but we are much more of a threat to them.
CleanTechnica: You are involved in the organization Minorities in Shark Sciencetell me about that.
Fields: National Geographic does a good job of increasing the diversity on screen, and not just in a way that feels like someone just invaded it. They have set the stage for future generations of scientists that people like me can do this. It is a great honor to be an ambassador of the future.
Ocean plastic recycling
So, did they find a great hammerhead shark? Watch the broadcast and find out!
Meanwhile, sharks have played an important role in raising awareness about the plastic crisis in the ocean. Many people first came into contact with the pollution problem when graphics surfaced of researchers cutting open sharks’ bellies to find a real plastic dump inside.
The larger pieces of ocean plastic are only part of the problem. Microplastic particles have also been identified in the marine food chain. To the extent that keeping the larger bits of microplastics out of the ocean can help reduce harvest and recycle plastic from the ocean is an important part of the solution.
Harvesting ocean plastic before it ends up in the ocean
Really, do not introduce petrochemical plastics to the oceans in the first place is the ultimate solution, and it is true bio-based plastics and reusable items come on in.
However, for the here and now, the ocean plastic crisis needs to be addressed, but quickly, and that means prevention, recovery and recycling.
The wheels are turning slowly, but it seems the ocean plastic industry is past the niche stage.
One company to cross CleanTechnica radar is the Florida based company Ocean Recovery Group. The company, which describes itself as a social enterprise, is a joint venture in which the 112-year-old waste disposal company 4G recycling with AE Global, a player in the packaging innovation Surface.
Ocean Recovery Group has taken on the challenge of monetizing the recovery of plastic waste in the Dominican Republic by focusing on the country’s ocean-bound plastic problem, which primarily refers to uncontrolled plastic pollution in rivers leading to the ocean.
Last May, ORG became the first US company to achieve Ocean-Bound Plastic certifications for collection, recycling and neutralization through the organization No plastic oceans.
“Ocean Recovery Group’s facility in La Vega, Dominican Republic, features state-of-the-art processing equipment, including a Max Pack 2-ram baler, 7 vertical balers, and 2 complete plastic lines, including a friction washer, shredders, sink tanks, steamers and pelletizers,” explains ORG.
The facility began operations earlier this year with the goal of collecting, recycling and neutralizing 12,000 tons of ocean-bound plastic, as well as cardboard and other paper that is recyclable.
“OBP-certified organizations [also] ensure social criteria are met, including a commitment to no child labour, safe working conditions and fair wages for recycling collectors,” notes ORG.
Next-level solutions to the ocean plastic crisis
Previous studies downplayed the role of developed countries in advancing the ocean plastic crisis, placing much of the blame on Asia and other emerging plastic consumers. Now that everyone knows better, it’s time for the US and other leading economies to right the wrong.
Following last month’s United Nations ocean conference in Lisbon, the Biden-Harris government announced two programs to help step up the prevention and recovery of ocean plastics. One is the new one Save our seas plastic pollution initiative under USAID, a result of the Save Our Seas 2.0 Act of 2020.
“The initiative includes initial funding of $62.5 million and will launch 14 new national and regional programs in key countries and regions that represent 40 percent of the total global mismanaged plastic waste,” the White House said. “USAID is fighting plastic pollution in the ocean by creating inclusive circular economies together with local and national governments, communities and the private sector.”
Here in the US, the White House also underlined the new Solid Waste Infrastructure for Recycling (SWIFR) subsidy program through the US EPA, which was also covered by the Save Our Seas 2.0 Act. The $275 million grant program is funded through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.
“These funds will be used to provide grants to … improve the management and infrastructure of post-consumer materials; support improvements to local materials management and post-consumer recycling programs; and help local waste management authorities improve local waste management systems,” explains the White House.
But hey, it’s a start.
follow me on twitter @TinaMCasey.
Photo credit: Lydia Thompson (21st Century Fox) via Dropbox.
Do you appreciate the originality of CleanTechnica and the coverage of cleantech? Consider becoming one CleanTechnica member, supporter, technician or ambassador — or a patron on Patreon.
