Plastic marine debris washed up on a beach (NOAA)
BIRDS, PLASTIC & CONSERVATION: A CONTROVERSIAL AD…
Rolling Harbour is a broadly neutral territory. We occasionally do ‘opinionated’ round here. We are not afraid to express views. But we try to avoid controversy and in particular, politics in its broadest sense. There have been occasional lapses into outrage – one example was the huge cruise ship taking a shortcut (allegedly, I had better add) that trashed significant areas of irreplaceable coral reef and smeared poisonous anti-fouling paint along the seabed, affecting reef life for decades and… Stop me right there!
The most sensitive area is conservation. Some issues are straightforward; with others the balance of what is right and wrong is more debatable. One particular aspect that can be problematic is in the presentation of information. We are all familiar with charity appeals that cajole with images of happy children or sweet puppies. We also see the ones with horrific images that are uncomfortable or even downright unpleasant to look at. Both can be powerful and valid ways to raise awareness and attract support. Some of the more extreme images used may actually have the effect of repelling people. The same is true with conservation projects. There are ones illustrated with images that make you go ‘ahhhh’ and smile; others are undeniably distressing and will make you wince with uneasiness.
Piping Plover photo taken at GTC Abaco by Tom Reed for Conserve Wildlife NJ 
A graphic image by Ian Hutton (UW) of a dead shearwater crammed with plastic debris
See how you react to this 45 second video from Australia. It is made by Greenpeace – itself a controversial organisation in some eyes – and concerns Coke, plastic and birds. I had no idea what to expect, and it gave me a jolt. It has been the subject of legal action, of alleged censorship and interference from powerful lobbies, and a sizzling amount of anger. It won’t take you long to watch it. Compare how you feel during the first ten seconds with how you feel 30 seconds later…
Horrible – yet true. Thank you for posting this RH!
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Hi Marina! It’s a strong piece of campaigning, isn’t it? I can see why it caused the fuss it has. But having researched a bit about the impact of marine debris – mostly plastic – on birds and sea creatures, I’ve come across horrendous images. So maybe this sort of shock tactic aimed at a large organisation is a start…
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A good start, yes!
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😎
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Thank you for posting this RH – I harbour strong feelings about this issue too. I must mention that in my time spent along the Thames and some of it’s tributaries so far this year, I have noticed a marked improvement (decrease!) in the levels of plastic and other pollutants floating in the river. Every little piece of rubbish that is properly disposed of makes a positive impact so huge congratulations to everyone who “does the right thing”… We can all make a massive difference! Best regards and thanks for your wonderful blog – metiefly
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Well that’s a pleasant surprise to hear! Encouraging, even. It’s wonderful how the Thames, once effectively dead, is now very much alive. Your catches show that! One day I must try the Wandle, where their policy of involving local schools with the trout is a such great idea. I must check your blog again and see what you have caught west of Hammersmith… RH
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