SailGREEN_M2_EN_Plastic, Waste and Chemicals

Module 2

How Plastic, Waste and Chemical Agents Affect Aquatic Biodiversity

Risks and Good Practices

ERASMUS-SPORT-2025 ProjectNr: 101244870 Funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the European Education and Culture Executive Agency (EACEA). Neither the European Union nor EACEA can be held responsible for them.

About this module

1.Estimated time : 2.5-4 hours self paced

2. 60-90minutes instructor debrief (optional)

3. Target Group : Youth (15-20 years)

4. Target Group 2: Sailing Coaches/Trainers

Note: Images used in this material come from the Genially platform and from the website https://unsplash.com (credits are mentioned under the pictures) they were also provided by project partners: Zemun Sailing Club and Sandra Agius Darmanin from Vikings Sailing Club

Why This Module Matters

Help sailors understand why protecting water environments matters. Aquatic ecosystems support wildlife, clean water, and healthy oceans. By understanding how everyday sailing activities can affect these ecosystems, sailors can take simple actions that protect biodiversity and keep waters healthy for the future.

Objective of this module

• Understand how plastic waste and microfibres enter aquatic food webs • Recognize common chemical pollutants (detergents, fuel, sunscreen, antifouling paints) • Learn why shallow and enclosed waters are more vulnerable to pollution • Identify good sailing practices that reduce environmental impact

Picture by Naja Bertolt Jensen found on Unsplash

By the end of this module, you will be able to

Understand how pollutants move through ecosystems through ingestion, entanglement, toxicity, and food-web transfer.

Describe the main types of aquatic pollution (plastic, waste, and chemicals) and how they harm biodiversity.

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Connect common sailing activities with their environmental impacts using simple cause effect links.

Explain why pollution impacts are stronger in coastal waters, rivers, lakes, and other sailing areas.

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Identify good sailing practices that help reduce pollution and protect aquatic ecosystems.

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The greatest threat to our ocean is the belief that someone else will save it.

- Robert Swan

pollution &BiodIversity

how plastics, waste and chemical agents affect aquatic ecosystems

Pollution and Biodiversity: What Changes Beneath the Surface

This video explains how plastic, waste, and chemical pollution affect biodiversity in both marine and freshwater ecosystems, focusing on persistence, exposure pathways, and food-web disruption.

Interessted in more Videos, search for :

• ocean plastic pollution

• marine microplastics food chain
• stop plastic ocean wildlife

Aquatic ecosystems

Both marine and freshwater ecosystems rely on balanced food webs connecting plants, animals and microorganisms. Pollution such as plastics, waste and chemicals disrupts these systems. This unit explains how these pollutants enter water, affect organisms, and cause long-term impacts on aquatic ecosystems.

Info

Picture by Naja Bertolt Jensen found on Unsplash

Plastics and waste

Rather than decomposing, plastic fragments into smaller pieces over time. Larger plastic items and waste can cause:

Habitat degradation

Ingestion

Entanglement

restricting movement or causing injury to fish, birds, and invertebrates

especially where waste accumulates on shorelines, riverbanks and seabeds

leading to blockages, false satiety, or internal injury

Picture by Antoine Pouligny on Unsplash

Picture by Francesco Majo on Unsplash

Picture by Maria Remez on Unsplash

plastic and waste

When plastic breaks down in water, it doesn't disappear, it just gets smaller. These tiny fragments, called microplastics, are so small that plankton, water insects and bottom-dwelling creatures mistake them for food. Since these tiny organisms sit at the very base of the food web, what affects them ends up affecting everything above them too. Including fish, seabirds and even us. On rivers and lakes, most plastic pollution starts on land. It washes in from streets, parks and shorelines. It travels downstream and builds up along the way. In the sea, the human produced waste tends to collect in coastal areas, the exact same shallow waters where most of us sail and swim. Whether freshwater or marine, the result is the same: wildlife is exposed to plastic over and over again which is adding up.

Chemical agents

Chemical pollution includes a wide range of substances, such as detergents, oil, wastewater and certain personal care items. These substances can affect aquatic biodiversity by:

Causing toxic effects on organisms, particularly larvae and juvenile stages

Reducing water quality and oxygen balance

Damaging aquatic plants and microorganisms that regulate nutrient cycles

Disrupting reproduction, growth, and immune responses

Chemical agents

Unlike plastic, chemical pollution is often invisible. You can't see it floating on the surface or washed up on the shore. That's exactly what makes it easy to ignore and easy to underestimate. In lakes and rivers, water doesn't move or refresh as quickly as in the open sea. That means chemicals that enter the water can sit there for a long time, slowly building up. The same thing happens in sheltered coastal spots like bays and marinas the water gets "trapped" and doesn't flush out easily, so pollutants linger and accumulate. Out of sight doesn't mean out of harm's way.

Why this matters for sailing environments

Think about where sailing actually happens: sheltered bays, harbours, rivers, lakes. These aren't empty stretches of water. They're some of the most biodiverse and ecologically sensitive environments on the planet, and they tend to be shallow, meaning pollution has nowhere to hide. Here's the thing: it doesn't take a major disaster to cause real damage. Small amounts of pollution, repeated regularly in the same place, add up to measurable harm for the wildlife living there. In other words, the water you sail on is exactly the water most at risk.

Microfibres and emerging pollutants

Your sailing kit might be doing more damage than you think. Synthetic clothing and equipment like wetsuits, rash vests, ropes and bags shed tiny fibres every time they're rinsed or washed. These microfibres are too small to see, but they behave just like microplastics once they reach the water.They sink into the sediment, get eaten by small organisms, and work their way up the food chain from there. One fibre on its own isn't much but multiplied across every sailor, every rinse, every season the pressure on aquatic life starts adding up.

Food webs and cumulative effects

Pollution doesn’t just stay in one place, it can move through the whole ecosystem. When small animals eat polluted material, like microplastics or chemicals, these substances build up in their bodies. This is called bioaccumulation.When bigger animals then eat lots of these smaller animals, the pollution becomes even more concentrated as it moves up the food chain . This is called biomagnification.This means top predators, like big fish or birds, end up with the highest levels of pollution, which can harm their health and make ecosystems less stable especially when they’re already under pressure.

Pollution Mechanisms

From Pollutant to Biodiversity Impact

Organisms affected

Pollution type

Exposure pathway

Ecosystem consequences

Pollution Mechanisms

Freshwater(lake/river)

Small Fish & insects

Plastic waste

Fish Ingest Microplastic

Food web disruption

Pollution Mechanisms

Marine(coastal/marina)

Shellfish & plankton

chemical pollution

Toxic exposure

Reduced biodiversity

Summary

• Aquatic ecosystems depend on balanced food webs connecting plants, animals, and microorganisms

• Pollution from plastics, waste, and chemicals can disrupt these ecosystems.
• Plastic pollution persists in water and breaks into microplastics over time
• Microplastics can be eaten by small organisms and spread through the food web
• Chemical pollution (fuel, detergents, antifouling paints) can harm aquatic organisms and water quality
• Shallow and enclosed waters like lakes, rivers, bays, and marinas are especially sensitive to pollution
• Even small, repeated pollution inputs can cause ecological impacts
• Pollutants can move through ecosystems and accumulate in organisms over time
• Macro pollution is large visible waste, while micro pollution includes tiny particles and chemicals

Introduction

Next, you will need to drag each action or behavior into the corresponding box:

Plastics and Waste

Chemical Waste

Evaluate each one before releasing each card, but… Careful, you have little time to make decisions!

Plastics and Waste

Chemical Agents

Reduces water quality

Causes entanglement

Affects oxygen balance

Can harm larvae and juvenile stages

Can lead to ingestion and blockages

Fragments into microplastics

Disrupts reproduction and growth

Damages habitats on shorelines and seabeds

Damages aquatic plants and microorganisms

Often less visible than plastic litter

assesment

Assesment

assesment

Why sailing waters become high-exposure zones

movement, accumulation and repeated pressure

From Shore to Water: How Pollution Enters Sailing Areas

This video explains why pollution impacts are amplified in common sailing areas (coasts, marinas, rivers, lakes). It covers dilution vs accumulation, water exchange, sediment trapping, and why repeated use increases exposure for biodiversity.

where and how

Environmental impact is not just about how much pollution is released, it also depends on where it happens and how often. In sailing, the same shorelines, slipways, marinas and training areas are used again and again. This means these places are exposed to pollution repeatedly, even though they are often very sensitive ecosystems. In this unit, you’ll learn why sailing locations, both coastal and inland, are especially vulnerable to pollution. You’ll also explore how everyday activities can introduce pollutants into the water and affect aquatic ecosystems.

Wastewater and sanitation pressure

Fuel and oil residues

Minor spills, leaks, or improper handling of fuel and lubricants can introduce hydrocarbons that persist in sheltered waters.

Inadequate sanitation management during events can affect water quality and microbial balance.

Chemical runoff from shore activities

Water used to wash boats or equipment can carry detergents and maintenance residues into nearby waters, especially where runoff is uncontrolled.

Personal care products and microfibres

Sunscreen and personal care products wash off during sailing and capsize. Rinsing synthetic clothing releases microfibres into freshwater and marine systems.

Material loss and fragmentation

Boat Paint & Protection

Boat maintenance like sanding, scraping, or pressure-washing can release tiny bits of old paint into the water. If this isn’t controlled, these particles can spread into the environment.They settle on the seabed, build up over time, and can harm small organisms like larvae or filter feeders. In places like marinas or sheltered waters, where the water doesn’t move much, these pollutants can stay for a long time and make the ecosystem unhealthy.

Small items such as tape, packaging, rope fibres and line offcuts can enter the water during rigging and launching. Over time, these fragment into microplastics.

How Pollution Builds Up in Lakes and Coastal Areas

Using the same spots again and again puts extra pressure on the environment, especially in shallow or slow-moving water. Over time, this repeated impact builds up, increases pollution exposure and makes it harder for ecosystems to recover and stay healthy.

Smart Practices Based on Science

The most effective pollution-reduction measures are those that:

Stop Spills from Spreading

Stop Pollution Before It Starts

Use Sensitive Areas Less Often

Detailed routines and energy-related practices that improve performance will be covered in the next module on emissions and energy.

Why Impacts Concentrate: Water Exchange, Sediments and Repetition

Residence time = how long water (and pollution) stays in one place

Open sea

marina

Marina

Open sea

Water moves slowly

water moves a lot

pollution stays longer

pollution spreads out

Why Impacts Concentrate: Water Exchange, Sediments and Repetition

Residence time = how long water (and pollution) stays in one place

fast river

inlet/training area

training area

fast river

slow flow

strong flow

pollution remains longer

pollution is carried away

Why Impacts Concentrate: Water Exchange, Sediments and Repetition

Residence time = how long water (and pollution) stays in one place

open lake

lake shoreline

lake shoreline

open lake

little movement

water mixes more

pollution collects near the edge

pollution disperses

Summary

● Sailing areas often trap pollution because the water is shallow, moves slowly and contains sediments ●Both sea and inland sailing areas can turn into pollution hotspots ● Stopping lots of small pollution inputs is one of the best ways to protect biodiversity

Locate the continents

Drag the location icon to its corresponding place

shallow biodiversity

Pollutants accumulate easily

Pollution spreads to other areas

assesment unit 2

assesment unit 2

Interactive Question

From understanding to prevention

science-based good practices for reducing plastic, waste and chemical pollution

Good Practices that Protect Biodiversity: Plastics, Waste and Chemicals

This video translates scientific mechanisms into practical prevention. It covers source reduction, containment, safe product choices, runoff control, spill prevention and microfibre reduction, applicable to both coastal and inland sailing environments.

good practices

Good practices are most effective when they directly address the mechanisms explained in Units 1 and 2:

• prevent pollutants from entering the water
• keep pollution low in hotspots
• limit exposure for sensitive organisms

Keep Wildlife Safe from Plastic

This unit focuses on three prevention pillars, each linked to a scientific mechanism:

Collect and secure small items like tape, packaging, cable ties, and snack wrappers so they don’t end up in the water

Add a small fee for single-use items if people don’t bring their own refillable bottle

Use less single-use plastic at events: bring your own plates and cutlery, refill bottles (e.g. at RO stations) and choose reusable options like cable ties

Set up a collection point for rope offcuts so small fibres don’t turn into microplastics

Create end-of-day checks for shoreline and rigging areas

Chemical agents prevention stop toxicity + invisible accumulation

This unit focuses on three prevention pillars, each linked to a scientific mechanism:

Avoid high-risk chemicals unless strictly controlled

Use approved eco-friendly products like cleaners, degreasers, and lubricants

Prevent spills during fueling and maintenance: use backup containers, absorbent pads, clear roles and report any spills immediately

Clean boats with just water whenever possible. If you need products, only use them in designated areas where the dirty water is collected and filtered. Never let it go straight into the water.

Microfibres + personal care products reduce persistent small pollutants

Encourage using microfibre filters or wash bags when doing laundry, so tiny fibres don’t end up in the water

Reduce unnecessary kit washing; use rinse bins where possible

Use mineral-based sunscreen and apply it about 30 minutes before sailing so it can absorb properly. In very sunny places (like Malta), reapply every 2 hours. Ideally away from the water or slipway to reduce pollution

Make sure water from beach or outdoor showers doesn’t run straight into the sea. Use only water or eco-friendly products to reduce pollution

Summary

● Good practices are most effective when they tackle how pollution happens. By reducing it at the source, containing it, preventing spills and limiting microfibres ● Chemical pollution is often invisible but can still cause serious damage in both sea and freshwater ● Everyday routines in key areas (like slipways, wash areas and rigging zones) are where small actions can make the biggest difference

What helps reduce plastic waste at sailing venues?

Use refill stations and reusable bottles

Leave packaging on the shore

Throw plastic into the water

How should boats normally be washed?

Using strong chemicals in the water

Directly in the lake or sea

With controlled water runoff areas

What helps prevent fuel pollution?

Ignore small spills

Pour leftover fuel into the water

Use absorbent pads and spill prevention routines

When should sunscreen ideally be applied?

Before arriving at the sailing area

While standing in the water

After entering the water

Conclusion

Pollution like plastic, waste, and chemicals can harm water ecosystems in different ways. These pollutants can stay in the water for a long time, break into tiny pieces, or release harmful substances that animals and plants can’t deal with.

If you understand how pollution gets into the water and affects ecosystems, you can take action to prevent it. Reducing plastic waste, controlling chemical runoff, and limiting microfibres and personal care products all help protect biodiversity.

Sailing often happens in the same places again and again. Like marinas, rivers and lake shores. Because the water doesn’t always move much and sediments trap particles, pollution can build up instead of spreading away.

"We must sustain what sustains us.” — António Guterres

GLOSSARY

Wildlife Disturbance: Disruption of marine animals caused by human activity (noise, proximity, waste)

Marine Pollution: Introduction of harmful substances (plastic, chemicals, waste) into the ocean Sustainable Sailing: Practices that minimize environmental impact while navigating waterways

Biodiversity: The variety of marine life, including plants, animals, and microorganisms Ecosystem: A community of living organisms interacting with their environment

GLOSSARY

Anchoring Impact: Damage caused to seabeds (like seagrass or coral) from dropping anchors

Protected Areas: Designated marine zones where human activity is restricted to conserve ecosystems

Microplastics: Tiny plastic particles that pollute water and harm marine organisms

Further resources

NOAA Ocean Service https://oceanservice.noaa.gov Information on marine ecosystems and conservation

Local Maritime Authorities Check national guidelines for protected areas and safe navigation practices.

WWF Oceans Program https://www.worldwildlife.org/initiatives/oceans Global efforts to protect marine life

European Marine Board https://www.marineboard.eu Research and policy guidance on ocean sustainability

Marine Conservation Society https://www.mcsuk.org ResoUrces on reducing ocean pollution

Sailors for the Sea https://sailorsforthesea.org Practical tips for eco-friendly boating

Thank you!

ERASMUS-SPORT-2025Project-Nr: 101244870

Funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the European Education and Culture Executive Agency (EACEA). Neither the European Union nor EACEA can be help responsible for them.

refers to very small particles such as microplastics, microfibres from synthetic clothing or ropes, and chemical substances dissolved in water. These pollutants are often invisible but can be easily ingested by small organisms, allowing pollution to spread through the food web.

Micro

refers to large, visible waste such as plastic bottles, bags, bottle caps, fishing line, and food wrappers. These items can harm aquatic life through entanglement, ingestion, or habitat damage and may eventually break down into smaller plastic pieces over time.

Macro

VS

Fish and insects ingest microplastics in the water.

Biodiversity decreases as toxins affect marine organisms.

Small fish and aquatic insects at the base of the food web.

Food webs become disrupted as pollution spreads through species.

Look for eco-labels or logos on the packaging to make sure they’re safer for the environment.

official european ecolable more information: https://eu-ecolabel.de/en

Shellfish and plankton absorb toxic chemicals from the water.

Chemicals from boats, marinas, or runoff enter coastal waters.

Watch out for lables on the products you use

Plastic waste enters rivers and lakes from land sources.

Plankton and shellfish that support many marine species.