Suggestions on Legislating for Open Propeller Hood in order to Protect Marine Biodiversity, and Ensuring the Safety of Water Personnels
As the maritime transportation industry continues to grow, ships have become the primary means of global maritime cargo transport and tourism activities. However, the propellers of these vessels pose a significant threat to marine life, particularly large marine animals such as whales, dolphins, and sea turtles. Open propellers can cause fatal injuries not only to marine creatures but also pose safety hazards to personnel working on water, such as divers. Scientific research indicates that propeller-induced injuries are a major cause of death and injury among marine animals worldwide, with the severity of this issue being particularly prominent in certain areas.
Problem Analysis
The ocean is a vital component of Earth's life, and marine biodiversity is crucial for ecological balance. Over time, the open propellers of ships have caused significant harm and death to marine life, especially large species like whales and dolphins. These animals often cross paths with ship routes during migration, and the high-speed rotation of propellers can lead to severe injuries or death. Similar incidents have occurred in many countries, such as over 50% of whale sharks in the waters of Qatar showing clear propeller scars, and numerous whale and dolphin deaths in the North Atlantic due to propeller strikes. In China, numerous marine animals have also been found dead along the coast due to propeller strikes.
Existing Measures and Their Limitations
Currently, measures such as ship speed control have been somewhat implemented globally, but their effectiveness in reducing propeller injuries is limited. Lowering ship speeds does not effectively prevent propeller injuries, as encounters between ships and large marine animals are often unpredictable. While protective devices like propeller guards have been used in some areas, the lack of mandatory laws and regulations means they have not been widely adopted, and most ships still use open propellers. Technically, it is entirely feasible to install protective covers on open propellers. The development of modern materials and engineering technology has made it possible for these covers to be strong enough without significantly affecting the efficiency of the propellers. Moreover, the cost of installing these covers is relatively low, but the safety and environmental benefits they bring are significant, providing a sustainable solution for the shipping industry to balance commercial needs with ecological protection.
Recommendations and Actions
1. It is recommended that China enact legislation to mandate the installation of covers on open propellers of ships. All vessels used in maritime transport and offshore operations, especially those in ecologically sensitive areas and high-risk regions, must have protective covers installed on their propellers. These covers can effectively reduce the harm caused by propellers to marine life and lower the safety risks for personnel working on water, such as divers.
2. Encourage the use of environmentally friendly propellers and protective devices. In addition to propeller covers, the shipping industry should be encouraged to adopt more environmentally friendly and safer propeller designs, such as enclosed propellers or alternative designs, to reduce harm to marine life. There should also be a push for the development and promotion of more efficient and safer propeller protective devices. These devices should not only reduce physical injuries but also consider reducing noise pollution to lessen the disturbance to marine animal behavior.
3. Strengthen international cooperation to promote global maritime regulation. It is suggested that China collaborate with the International Maritime Organization (IMO) and other countries to jointly promote the implementation of propeller protection measures worldwide. This can be achieved by signing international agreements and establishing international standards, requiring all ships globally to follow the same propeller protection regulations, ensuring a reduction in threats to marine life across transnational waters, especially for migratory species like large whales and dolphins.
4. Establish technical support and subsidy policies. For ship owners or operators, certain subsidies or tax incentives can be provided to support the installation of propeller protective covers or the replacement with more environmentally friendly propeller designs. This will not only alleviate the economic burden on ship operators but also accelerate the promotion and application of new technologies, pushing the maritime transport industry towards a more environmentally friendly and safer direction.
5. Enhance the promotion of marine protection awareness and scientific research support, and promote marine life protection and maritime safety education. At the same time, support scientific research related to marine life protection and propeller injury prevention to provide more scientific data support for policy-making.
6. Encourage local governments and industry self-discipline. In addition to national legislation, local governments can be encouraged to formulate local regulations based on the actual situation of their marine ecological environment to further refine the implementation of propeller protection measures. Moreover, industry self-discipline organizations should actively promote environmental self-discipline in the shipping industry, encouraging more ship operators to voluntarily adopt propeller protection measures.
It is recommended that the Ministry of Transport take the lead, with the cooperation of the Ministry of Ecology and Environment, the Ministry of Natural Resources, the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, and other departments to jointly formulate regulations and policies and promote their implementation.
Original Link: https://mp.weixin.qq.com/s/o_2hme0XvbgRM6Ag6gHnSA
Translator: Richard
Checked by Sara
Editor: Richard
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