Page 74 - MDSL Final

MARITIME DOCTRINE OF SRI LANKA

Marine Pollution Affects Natural Eco Systems

Some of the unique environmental and geo physical characteristics
of the IOR include having 30% of world’s coral reefs, 40,000 square
kilometres of mangrove and nine of the largest marine eco systems of
the world. The natural balance of the marine eco systems of the region
is deteriorating due to land based pollutions like plastic, polyethylene,
sewage, drainage discharge, marine-based pollutions caused by shipping
(spillage, ballast water), drilling and mining. Some reports estimate that
nearly 40 trillion litres of sewage and 4 trillion litres of industrial effluents
enter the region’s coastal waters every year. As the region is congested
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with the involvement of nuclear powered nations, the presence of
nuclear submarines and also the transportation of nuclear material
create a huge risk for the security of the maritime environment due to
vulnerability of accidents. Similarly dumping of high amount of nuclear
waste to ocean is also creating an impact on environmental security.
The significant amount of maritime traffic in the region generates a very
high risk of pollution, and their consequences for the environment and
the aquatic resources, could be disastrous for echo systems and tourism.
The effect on local communities and traditional fishing villages could
be catastrophic and thus it is bound to generate political and security
consequences as well.

56 To Nurture a Stable Environment at Sea