The issue of wildlife extinction is alarming or should I say ringing bells! As the human population continues to grow exponentially, resources are being consumed faster than they are produced. Nearly 1/3 of all freshwater fish are threatened with extinction. In 2020 alone, 16 freshwater fish species were declared extinct. Since 1970, mega fish that weigh above 66Ibs have declined by 94% and migratory fish has declined by 76%.

In Cameroon, dumping waste into water bodies has become a means of waste disposal and a “normal routine” practiced by both households and businesses. When this waste is dumped into water bodies, it flows into the ocean and oxygen is being depleted in the water. This results in poor health for marine life due to lack of oxygen. Animals such as seals, dolphins, penguins, sharks, whales, and herring could all die. Humm, can we imagine the oceans without penguins, sharks, and whales? Horrible, isn't it?

To avoid this scenario, we must stop disposing waste into water bodies because it has huge environmental impacts and can cause serious problems to aquatic animals. Some waste dumped into water bodies will eventually rot, but not all will rot, and in the process, it may smell, contaminating the natural water, making it unhealthy for aquatic animals. Some of these non-degradable wastes suffocate and choke the aquatic animals. This is because the non-degradable waste occupies some space in the marine environment, reducing the breathing space for aquatic animals. The consequences are disastrous as many aquatic animals end up dying to release space for others to breathe.

Moreover, when non degradable plastic materials are dumped into the water bodies, aquatic animals ingest the tiny non-degradable particles of this waste which enter their food chain. This does not only have a negative effect on the aquatic animals but also on humans as they consume these aquatic animals and the toxic plastic materials in their system. So, preserving aquatic animals through proper waste management will not only protect these endangered species but will equally go a long way to ensure quality health for humans. 

Another major threat to aquatic life is as a result of the activities of sea transport. This occurs through spillage of oil, disposing of sewage and ballast water into the marine environment by vessels. When these pollutants are deposited into the water, they contaminate the water posing threats to aquatic life. 

Creating a safe marine environment and educating people on living sustainably with other species is no longer a choice but an obligation. 

We therefore call on individuals to avoid disposing waste into water bodies, we call on the International Maritime Organization (IMO) to put in more efforts towards the implementation of treaties governing the marine environment such as MARPOL 73/78. Lastly, the United Nations should take bold steps to foster the implementation of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) to save and preserve the aquatic animals.

Let’s hold hands and take action against marine pollution to create a clean environment that will serve as a healthy habitat for the aquatic animals.