WITH the effluent pipeline off Richards Bay the centre of focus, World Oceans Day was celebrated with informative presentations hosted by Mhlathuze Water at their Alkantstrand pump station on Friday.
Under the theme: ‘Healthy Oceans, Healthy Planet, various speakers emphasised the importance of proper environmental management of the ocean.
The starting point was appreciating how much the oceans of the world – which comprise 70% of the surface area of the planet and are a major provider of oxygen – give to mankind.
This ranged from recreational to cultural activities, being a source of medicines, food provision through aqua culture and maritime trade.
With desalination being seen as the answer to the world’s potable water shortages, the role of oceans is ever increasing, and hence the need is growing for laws affecting a healthy sea environment to be respected.
Vulnerable
‘There are a number of factors that make coastal areas more vulnerable,’ said EDTEA Pollution and Coastal Management official, Bonisiwe Sithole.
‘Chief among these is coastal erosion linked to a rise in sea level owing to global warming.
‘Coastal erosion is the natural weathering of rocks and the removal of beach sand or dune sediments by wave action or tidal currents. It is driven by storm events, cyclones and erratic weather patterns.
‘Added to receding high water marks are illegal and inappropriate coastal development plus the fact that many coastal towns are old, with high population densities and ageing infrastructure.
‘In addition we see sewage spills, estuarine pollution and oil and chemical spill incidents – and there is insufficient capacity to respond to emergencies.’
New tools to address coastal degradation include improved legislature which will see more stringent permit conditions, as well as increased punishment for offenders.
New permit conditions for Mhlathuze Water’s sea outfall pipelines will come into force in the next few months, which will mean all contributors to waste disposal will be firmly under the microscope.
Present permits were issued by the Department of Water & Sanitation, but this mandate will in future fall under the Department of Environmental Affairs Oceans and Coast section.
