Sydney, Australia – It’s a sun-worshipper’s paradox. What’s meant to protect us from harmful UV rays may be causing irreversible damage to our marine life. Australia, home to the iconic Great Barrier Reef, is feeling the effects with alarming intensity. The alleged silent killer? Chemical components in everyday sunscreens. Below we look at Impact of sunscreen on marine life.
What’s the issue?
Sunscreen is designed to protect our skin from sunburn and potentially fatal skin cancers. Yet many popular brands contain harmful compounds such as oxybenzone and octinoxate, widely used due to their efficiency in absorbing harmful UV rays. These chemicals, once washed off our skin during a swim or even in the shower, end up in our oceans with devastating consequences.
What’s the impact?
The Great Barrier Reef, one of the seven wonders of the natural world, is not just an extraordinary sight; it is a complex ecosystem hosting a myriad of marine species. Regrettably, scientists have found that oxybenzone and octinoxate contribute to coral bleaching, a phenomenon that occurs when corals under stress expel the algae living in their tissues, causing them to turn completely white. Prolonged bleaching often leads to coral death. Given that an estimated 14,000 tons of sunscreen end up in the world’s coral reefs annually, the scale of the issue is immense.
The impact doesn’t stop at coral. Recent studies have revealed that sunscreen chemicals can accumulate in other marine organisms, affecting reproduction and growth rates in fish species, while also causing deformities in mussels and sea urchins.
What can I do?
But it’s not all doom and gloom. Awareness is the first step towards change, and there’s plenty we, as individuals, can do to help.
Firstly, look for “reef-safe” sunscreens. These products typically avoid harmful ingredients and opt for mineral-based formulas containing zinc oxide or titanium dioxide, which are considered safer for marine ecosystems. However, it’s important to note that ‘reef-safe’ is not a regulated term, so always check the ingredient list.
Wearing sun-protective clothing, such as rash guards and wide-brimmed hats, can also reduce our sunscreen use. Additionally, taking shade during the peak UV hours between 10 am and 2 pm is an excellent sun-smart strategy that not only protects our skin but also benefits our oceanic co-inhabitants.
Reef Ranger’s Perspective
Recent research is raising doubt about the true scale of the impact of sunscreen, the argument mostly being that the scale of pollution is not large enough, and that we should focus our conservation effort on global warming. I can see how that may be true. At the same time, any foreign man-made chemical in our oceans is one too much in my mind. While we may not be 100% sure of the scale, why risk Impact of sunscreen on marine life?
We can change our habits for the sake of our marine life. Sunscreen, once considered an innocent protector, can still be a marine menace. With knowledge, awareness, and individual action, we can help shield both ourselves and our oceanic wonders from harm.
Let’s ensure that Australia’s rich marine biodiversity is around for future generations to appreciate. The solution starts with us.