Emerald Isle Takes Big Steps to Protect Marine Life from Balloon Litter
Emerald Isle, a picturesque beach town in Carteret County, North Carolina, recently made headlines for its *bold initiative* to safeguard the local marine environment. At the heart of this effort is a tragic story of a young female Gervais’ beaked whale that washed ashore last October. This rare sighting wasn’t just an unusual event; it turned out to be an alarming signal of a deeper issue that needs immediate addressing.
A Gervais’ Whale’s Heartbreaking Journey
The Gervais’ beaked whale, normally found hundreds of miles offshore, unexpectedly surfaced near the coast, leading to the discovery of a sick calf. After a necropsy, scientists discovered that the young whale had a balloon stuck in its gastrointestinal tract, making it impossible for her to properly consume her mother’s milk. Sadly, the result was that this little whale starved to death, a fate that surprised and saddened many.
Debbie Swick’s Mission
Local resident Debbie Swick was deeply moved by this incident and took it as a call to action. Her mission: to raise awareness about the dangers of balloon releases. Swick asserts, “There’s nothing beneficial from releasing a balloon. It’s littering and dangerous, pure and simple.” She draws parallels between balloon releases and other forms of littering, emphasizing that, like throwing a lit cigarette out of the window or neglecting your six-pack holder, releasing balloons can have devastating effects on wildlife.
Under her advocacy, the Dare County Commissioners unanimously approved a ban on balloon releases in the unincorporated areas of the county, which stretches nearly 80 miles from Duck to Hatteras Village. This decision further complements previous regulations that already prohibited such releases in incorporated towns like Wrightsville Beach and the beach towns sharing Topsail Island.
Understanding the Breach
Prior to moving to North Carolina, Swick wasn’t fully aware of the extensive harm caused by helium-filled balloons. She shares, “Living in Pennsylvania and New Jersey, I was somewhat aware, but once I moved here and started seeing them littering the beaches, I began to weep uncontrollably.” Alarmingly, reports indicated that around 700 balloons were collected within the Cape Hatteras National Seashore in 2022. Fast forward a year, and that figure skyrocketed to nearly 1,800.
Alternatives to Balloon Releases
Swick understands that balloon releases are often tied to celebrating important moments or honoring loved ones. Still, she insists that there are better alternatives. “There are safer and more environmentally friendly ways to commemorate someone, like bubbles, flowers, or even a memorial garden,” she adds. Swick emphasizes creativity over destruction by suggesting options like kites or origami instead of balloons.
Consequences of Balloon Releases
Studies have shown that balloons can create significant **hazards** for various marine life. Turtles are known to mistake balloons for jellyfish, a favorite food, causing severe digestive issues. Similarly, marine mammals can suffer life-threatening blockages. On land, birds often become entangled in balloon strings, further exacerbating the problem. In addition to these risks, there’s the unpleasant sight of balloon waste cluttering the environment—caught in trees, tangled in sand fences, and littering the beautiful beachfront.
Community Support and Future Goals
The recently passed Dare County ban includes a hefty penalty of $250 for each released balloon. Many towns that have already implemented similar bans have civil penalties ranging from $25 to $50. Swick feels that these penalties serve a purpose: “I don’t think the $250 penalty is too high. It will encourage people to think twice.” She firmly remains, “I’m not banning balloons; I’m just banning releasing them.”
What’s more encouraging is that the ban has received widespread support, including from the local real estate community, which has stopped using balloons for open house signs. Swick is not stopping here, though. She’s reached out to all of North Carolina’s county commissioners and state Senator Bobby Hanig to advocate for a statewide ban on balloon releases, aiming for positive changes in the upcoming legislative session.
Crime against marine life (in the form of littering) should concern us all. As Swick says with a smile, “I’m a stubborn Yankee girl,” and she won’t give up advocating for the beaches and the beautiful creatures that call it home.
