In this episode of the "How to Protect the Ocean" podcast, host Andrew Lewin discusses the environmental impact of cruise ships, particularly focusing on the use of scrubbers that release toxic chemicals directly into the ocean.

Cruise ships are likened to floating cities, providing travelers with unique experiences while visiting various destinations. However, the pollution generated by these ships is often overlooked. A recent study highlights that many cruise ships, especially those operating in Alaska, utilize a technology called open-loop scrubbers to clean their exhaust. While these systems filter harmful chemicals from emissions, the resulting polluted wastewater is discharged directly into the sea, creating significant environmental concerns.

An incident in Ketchikan, Alaska, where inspectors observed a cloudy discharge on the water's surface, exemplifies the issue. On average, cruise ships using these scrubbers release millions of gallons of polluted water daily. This practice poses a risk to coastal communities and habitats, as the ocean has a limited capacity to absorb such pollutants. Over time, the accumulation of these chemicals can lead to detrimental changes in marine ecosystems, including harmful algal blooms and declines in local wildlife populations.

Lewin emphasizes the need for stricter regulations, such as a nationwide ban on scrubbers, to protect the ocean. He points out that some regions, like Sweden and California, have already implemented bans or stricter fuel requirements for ships. The episode concludes with a call to action for listeners to consider eco-friendly alternatives when planning vacations and to support companies with strong environmental practices. By making informed choices, travelers can help send a message to the cruise industry about the importance of protecting our oceans.

Article: https://www.thecooldown.com/outdoors/cruise-ship-pollution-wastewater-scrubbers-sea/

I am joined by RARE's Katie Velasco who is here to discuss a contest for solutions to water pollution from around the world. The contest that is led by RARE and is run by Solution Search is down to 10 finalists that have a product or service related to fighting against water pollution. 

The contest provides a platform where contestants can get more exposure for their product or service that is already running to help them scale their ideas and bring more help to people all over the world. 

You can vote for the 10 Finalists (every day until the contest is over) by clicking on this link: https://solutionsearch.org/

Tune into Earthx TV Wednesday and Thursday at 7pm ET for Live Shows of Speak Up for the Ocean Blue Podcast: https://earthxtv.com/

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