I have always admired the beauty and importance of our world's oceans. The oceans are not just visually stunning, but they also act as a nurturing environment for countless diverse species and are a critical part of our planet's carbon cycle. Sadly, the horrific impact of fuel leakage from boats is causing lasting damage to this delicate ecosystem, threatening the survival of seagrass and coral reef habitats.

In particular, fossil fuel-powered boats are creating a substantial risk to marine life and the overall health of our oceans and lakes. These fuels, when leaked into our oceans, are known to degrade aquatic ecosystems, leading to the loss of seagrass meadows, which store up to twice as much carbon as terrestrial forests (1), and contain rich biodiversity, including endangered species (2). Similarly, fuel pollution also causes coral reefs, (often called the rainforests of the sea because of their incredible biodiversity), to weaken and bleach.

For the sake of our oceans, the life they harbor, and our planet's overall ecological balance, it is vital to transition to a cleaner, fuel-free boating infrastructure.

To allow for this change, we urge lawmakers to introduce and pass legislation that halts the use of fuel-dependent watercrafts, thus reducing the detrimental impact of fuel leaks into our cherished aquatic ecosystems. By signing this petition, you are supporting a vital effort to safeguard our oceans and lakes, and urging lawmakers to protect the marine life that relies on these habitats.

Please, sign the petition and help keep our oceans clean and full of life.

(1) Fourqurean, J. W. et al. Seagrass ecosystems as a globally significant carbon stock. (2012)
(2) Unsworth, R. K. F., et al. Seagrass meadows support global fisheries production. (2019)

Image source: https://pixabay.com/de/photos/rennen-motorboot-see-wassersport-6538754/