Hang onto your balloons for the sake of sea creatures

WHILE releasing colourful helium balloons can be part of many New Year’s celebrations and other events throughout the year, the consequences can be deadly to marine animals and wildlife.

People urged to think twice before releasing helium balloons during New Year celebrations, as they have the potential to kill marine life if ingested. Jennie Gilbert from the Turtle Rehabilitation Centre cares for Leila, an eight month old Green Turtle who ingested micro plastics in waters off Cape York. Picture: BRENDAN RADKE.

WHILE releasing colourful helium balloons can be part of many New Year’s celebrations and other events throughout the year, the consequences can be deadly to marine animals and wildlife.

Balloon litter has the potential to kill marine life if ingested, with people urged to think twice before releasing them.

“Helium balloons are the biggest disaster because they carry kilometres out to sea and burst over the ocean,” Jennifer Gilbert of co-founder Cairns Turtle Rehabilitation Centre said.

“Then fish eat them, dolphins, marine birds and so many other marine animals.

“It’s a huge problem and people don’t realise how far helium balloons really do travel.”

Jennie Gilbert from the Turtle Rehabilitation Centre cares for Leila, an eight month old Green Turtle who ingested micro plastics in waters off Cape York. Picture: BRENDAN RADKE.

The Cassowary Coast Regional Council also echoed concerns, urging people to not release balloons.

Environmental organisation Keep Queensland Beautiful has also called for helium balloons to be banned, saying “helium balloons are not biodegradable”.

“Balloons break up (into smaller pieces) they do not break down,” the group wrote in a post to social media.

Originally published as Hang onto your balloons for the sake of sea creatures