How Cruise Ships Are (Legally) Dumping Toxic Waste Into the Ocean | Aaron Brakel

Aaron Brakel from the Southeast Alaska Conservation Council is Kay Brown’s guest to address the the complex and urgent issue of ocean pollution caused by ship emissions, especially from the use of scrubbers on large vessels. They explore how this technology, intended to reduce sulfur emissions, inadvertently dumps toxic pollutants into marine ecosystems and affects human health. The conversation highlights ongoing legislative efforts and actions individuals can take to advocate for cleaner shipping practices.

Key Takeaways:

• Heavy fuel oil and scrubber discharge pollute oceans with toxins like heavy metals and PAHs, which damage marine life and contaminate seafood.
• Ships burn heavy fuel oil due to historical international regulations, leading to an increase in the use of scrubbers, which bypass sulfur limits but transfer toxins into the water.
• Scrubber water use is immense—up to 3,600 tons per hour—equivalent to 1.5 Olympic swimming pools, harming aquatic ecosystems.
• Toxic pollutants from scrubbers persist and bioaccumulate, impacting organisms from the smallest plankton to humans consuming seafood.
• International regulations via the IMO have limited local and national control, but more than 45 countries have implemented bans or regulations on scrubber discharges.
• The use of scrubbers and heavy fuel oil contributes additional black carbon, accelerating melting sea ice and climate change.
• Heavy fuel oil spills are particularly hazardous because they are persistent, sink, and are difficult to clean, especially in cold Arctic waters.
• Advocates suggest banning scrubber discharges or mandating cleaner fuels to protect marine environments and public health; grassroots action and policy change are crucial.

Resources & Links:

• Southeast Alaska Conservation Council (SEAC)
• Amazon: "Our Water" by Bob Saunier
• IMO Regulations Overview
• California Cleaner Fuel Legislation
• Washington State Clean Fuel Policy

Connect with AARON Brakel:

• SEAC - Twitter
• SEAC - Website

Mentioned in this episode:

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