Brexit – fish in the English Channel under growing threat from deadly toxins.

• AS THE UK prepares to fight for its post-Brexit fishing rights, a review by a UN agency makes it clear that the fish in the English Channel and other major global shipping lanes are under growing threat from deadly toxins. Ironically, the toxic chemicals are being poured into the sea as a result of a loophole in tighter regulations on airborne pollution.
• At the start of 2020, the London-based International Maritime Organization (IMO) introduced new regulations to substantially reduce the sulphur content of ships’ fuel oil so that sulphur oxide emissions into the air would be reduced.
• The new rules aim to help cut levels of chronic illness, including lung cancer, asthma and cardiovascular disease, particularly in coastal communities.
• Cutting sulphur emissions from global shipping will also help prevent acid rain, which will mean less harm to crops and forests.

 

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