Microplastics are found in high concentrations in shallow coastal areas of the UAE posing risk for marine creatures. Microbeads, for example, are found in high concentrations in everything from toothpaste, laundry detergent and personal care products and are washed down the drain, ending up in water environments. Small fish prefer to eat the plastic and gorge themselves on tiny plastic pieces smaller than five millimetres resulting in changed behaviours and stunted growth which lead to greatly increased mortality rates.

Divers in the UAE confirm that plastics witnessed in recent dives in local waters pose deadly hazards for fish and sea turtles that ingest the pollution believing the debris to be food. It is estimated that eight million metric tonnes of plastic are entering the world?s oceans annually. 275 million metric tonnes (MT) of plastic waste were generated in 192 coastal countries in 2010, with 4.8 to 12.7 million MT entering the ocean. Samir Ali, master scuba diver training with Al Boom Diving in Dubai, said from Jumeirah offices in Dubai that plastic debris is readily evident floating in the water and on the seabed in Gulf waters off Fujairah.If you dive near the shore, you can find lots of plastic.During underwater clean-ups, one can find plastic water bottles, aluminium cans, plastic grocery bags and shards of plastic in a multitude of different colours on the bottom.

Marine biologist said that fish reared in different concentrations of microplastic particles have reduced hatching rates and display abnormal behaviours. The microplastic particle levels tested in the current study are similar to what is found in many coastal habitats in Sweden and elsewhere in the world today. Scientists have now been able to show that development of fish is threatened by microplastic pollution.

At a recent Federal National Council meeting, it was noted in session that the UAE uses 11 billion plastic bags annually despite ambitious measures by Dubai Municipality and the federal government to slash consumption on a top priority which is a matter of serious concern for the residents of the UAE. 

Source:www.gulfnews.com