Plastic plates, drinking straws and other disposable plastic products are to be banned in the EU from 2021. Negotiators from the European Parliament and the EU member states agreed on this in December. A step in the right direction, says marine scientist Gabriele Gerlach. But there is more at stake, she emphasises in an interview.
The EU wants to ban single-use plastic. Is this the right step, Mrs Gerlach?
A right and extremely important step. It's a start. Dumping plastic waste into the sea never to be seen again just doesn't work. It remains. Just as we got used to separating waste years ago and are now reluctant to throw glass into the residual waste container, the same must apply to the use and disposal of plastic. Such regulations are therefore necessary.
What other dangers besides plastic waste threaten our oceans?
These are all dangers that are caused by overuse. For example: Too many fertilisers from land and rivers. Overexploitation of fish stocks. Destruction of marine habitats through overexploitation, whether through fishing or tourism. Acidification of the oceans as a result of climate change.
How serious do you think the situation is?
The situation is serious. There is no area of the oceans that is not threatened. On land, protected areas can protect species and habitats locally. The situation is different when it comes to microplastics and ocean acidification, for example. The water masses of the oceans are connected; currents distribute everything.
What can each and every one of us do to protect the oceans?
I firmly believe that everyone can do something. Pollution also happens in small steps. That's why even small steps can bring improvement, even though we often feel completely helpless in the face of environmental problems.
As a scientist, what would you like to see from politicians in this context?
Long-term planning of improvements. International agreements and resolutions. Even if there are setbacks and others drop out or never join in - never give up.
Interview: Birgit Bruns