by Curlan Campbell
- MARPOL is International Convention for Prevention of Pollution from Ships
- Only Haiti and Grenada in Caricom haven’t approved MARPOL Annex V
- Annex V forbids ships from disposing of garbage
Roxanne Graham, who successfully defended her PhD dissertation from The World Maritime University WMU-Sasakawa Global Ocean Institute last month, believes ratifying the Annex V of the International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships (MARPOL) is just one of many policy decisions to ensure the sustainability of Grenada’s marine resources.
Only Haiti and Grenada in Caricom haven’t approved MARPOL Annex V, which forbids ships from disposing of garbage except in certain circumstances. Some of the garbage listed under Article V includes all kinds of food, domestic and operational wastes, all plastics, cargo residues, incinerator ashes, cooking oil, fishing gear, and animal carcasses. “Surprisingly, we’re one of only 3 of the Caribbean region that haven’t acceded. Given our recent advancements in port facilities since regional ratifications became widespread, Grenada is now in a strong position to consider this ratification,” Dr Graham said.
The absence of a marine litter management policy is a significant gap in preserving Grenada’s marine resources.
“Establishing a framework here is paramount. I urge stakeholders to consider the insights from my research, which involved both local experts and policymakers from the Windward Islands,” she said.
From Paddock, St George and a proud alumna of St Joseph’s Convent St George’s, Graham always harboured a fascination with terrestrial and marine ecosystems. Her early passions drove her to earn a BSc in Biology, Wildlife, and Conservation from St George’s University. However, her educational journey didn’t stop there. Graham pursued an MSc in Marine Management from Dalhousie University in Canada. There, she analysed strategies for managing the invasive Indo-Pacific Lionfish in the Caribbean. Her latest academic achievement (PhD in Maritime Affairs) included fostering multi-scale solutions to tackle the marine litter crisis in the Windward Islands.
Dr Graham hopes to work with policymakers to address the relationship between marine litter and the climate crisis.
Another contributing factor towards marine pollution also comes from sources inland. A Pan-American Centre for Sanitary Engineering and Environmental Sciences study showed that 424,000 tons of waste are generated daily in Latin America and the Caribbean, with less than 35% processed into regulated sanitary landfills. According to the study, nearly two-thirds or 275,000 tons daily end up in open-air dumps or local waterways that can easily be washed into the ocean during storms or coastal flooding events.
“Marine litter harms biodiversity by injuring, entangling, and poisoning marine species, disrupting food chains, disrupting habitats, and is known to also introduce invasive organisms and diseases,” Dr Graham said. “Not only does it harm biodiversity and marine life, but it also impacts crucial sectors like tourism and fisheries. Some taxi drivers and tour guides have even reported that marine litter degrades popular coastal and archaeological sites.”
“It’s essential to start by raising public awareness and incorporating marine conservation into educational curricula from the primary level onwards. Improved waste management systems are necessary, and promoting recycling should be a priority. While occasional beach clean-ups have their place, nurturing a sense of community responsibility for our coasts and beaches is perhaps even more important. Government regulations can play a pivotal role in curbing waste. Moreover, well-researched scientific publications can significantly influence global perspectives. Therefore, it’s vital to either conduct or leverage research that emphasises the need for enhanced infrastructure and champions the call for a circular economy,” Dr Graham explained.
She suggested 4 new areas of focus that the current cohort of marine biology students should consider when pursuing their degree. She indicated that having expertise in these emerging areas can benefit Small Island Developing States seeking to further invest in the marine sector.
Climate Resilience and Marine Litter:
My research showed the interplay between climate change and marine litter and its intensification in Grenada, amongst other Caribbean islands. Rising sea levels combined with increased storm activity can distribute marine litter further, threatening both marine life and human health. For islands like Grenada and its Eastern Caribbean counterparts, this isn’t just an environmental challenge, but an economic one. The degradation of their marine ecosystems, especially coral reefs, directly impacts their tourism sector, fisheries, and natural barriers against weather calamities.
Ecosystem Services Valuation for Strategic Development:
The marine ecosystems of the Eastern Caribbean offer invaluable services that, if valued appropriately, can serve as a blueprint for sustainable development. For instance, by understanding the monetary value of coastlines, especially those that require preservation, countries can make more informed decisions, potentially using this valuation as a bargaining chip against development projects that could compromise the marine environment through pollution or other forms of degradation. Such valuations might deter short-term gains in favour of long-term sustainable development.
Innovative Blue Economy Ventures:
Ways of tapping into emerging sustainable marine industries. For example, sponge and pearl farming is currently being explored by a Vincentian master’s student from the same university I received my PhD at (WMU), and these industries are actual representations of sustainable and lucrative opportunities. By combining traditional knowledge with new marine research, nations can respect and capitalise on their marine resources.
Circular Economy in the Face of Solid Waste Challenges:
The emerging concept of a circular economy, where resources are reused and recycled endlessly, is admirable. However, for many Eastern Caribbean islands, there’s a foundational challenge: their solid waste management systems aren’t yet robust. Diving into a circular economy without first addressing this basic infrastructure issue would be putting the cart before the horse. It’s crucial for these islands to first bolster their waste management systems, ensuring they can handle, process, and recycle waste efficiently before ambitiously targeting a complete circular system.
Dr Graham offered advice to students wishing to pursue a degree within the academic field of Marine Conservation. “Many of the opportunities I embraced came from an unwavering belief which is straightforward – if you don’t express interest or apply for an opportunity, then you’re essentially denying yourself of the opportunity,” she said.
“To borrow a phrase from lottery enthusiasts, ‘you have to be in it, to win it.’ Thus, if you do leap at an opportunity, you stand a chance and even if the answer is ‘no’, you haven’t lost anything. Know that your education and self-worth are still intact,” she continued. “Furthermore, for my fellow Grenadians, I would strongly recommend building a robust foundation through the Marine Wildlife and Conservation Programme at St George’s University, under the Biology, Ecology, and Conservation Department. This course provides invaluable knowledge and skills that will significantly benefit your journey.”