Pacific island nation slaps on some sunscreens to save coral

World


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(CNN) – The Pacific nation of Palau is banning a large number of sunscreens that are harmful to coral reefs, joining a growing list of places that limit their use.
"Palau President Tommy Remengesau said in a statement on the signing of the Responsible Tourism Education Act of 2018," Plastic waste, chemical pollution, resource over-consumption and climate change.

"The steps taken in this legislation will help to ensure that they are more aware of the role they play in conservation."

Under the new law, "reef-toxic sunscreens" will be introduced to the country after January 1, 2020. fine of up to $ 1,000.

Tour operators will be able to offer customers with a reusable alternative to plastic bottles, cups, straws and containers, though the act stopped short of a full ban on the items.

Veteran reef scientist "Charlie" Veron introduces CNN's Ivan Watson to life beneath the Coral Sea.

Sunscreen dangers

In a statement, Palau's tourism ministry said it was the first country in the world, and listed the newly-established compounds as "known or strongly suspected to cause endocrine disruption and other damage to marine wildlife such as corals , fish and invertebrates, but also humans. "
These include oxybenzone, octinoxate, octocrylene, triclosan and several parabens. Both oxybenzone and octinoxate have also been banned in Hawaii under the laws of the United States, and have been banned in the United States.

While the risks to humans are highly conclusive, there is growing evidence that they can cause bleaching, deformities, DNA damage, and even death in corals when they are discharged. bodies of water.

This is of particular concern for countries and areas where they are widespread and major tourist attractions, but many experts recommend consumers to avoid "reef-safe" sunscreens regardless of where they swim, environment.

According to the Oceanic Society, "between 6,000 and 14,000 tones of sunscreen – the equivalent of 25 to 60 million bottles – each year of snorkelers and swimmers into coral reef environments."

The society advises snorkelers and divers in particular to reduce their need for sunscreen.

While calls for banning types of sunscreen are growing, the country which safeguards the Great Barrier Reef does not seem poised to do so anytime soon. Queensland, the Australian state, but does not require it.

"I would not support Australia because I think it would cause more problems and it would be unlikely to really help our reef," he said.

"Carbon dioxide emissions and higher temperatures are what they are killing." "I think it's more important than people protect themselves from the sun."

CNN 's Maritza Moulite contributed reporting.

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