The Prevalence of Maritime Shipping and Transportation as a Major Source of Marine Pollution and Environmental Stress: an Academic Discourse
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.31149/ijimm.v4i5.2903Keywords:
Maritime Shipping, Transportation, Marine Pollution and Environmental Stress, Academic DiscourseAbstract
This study examined the prevalence of maritime shipping and transportation as a major source of marine pollution and environmental stress within the context of growing global trade and economic development. Descriptive survey design was adopted for this study. The study was carried out in Imo state, Nigeria. The targeted population for the study consists of Public Health Personnel and Environmental Scientist in Imo State, Nigeria. A stratified sampling technique was used in selecting 75 Public Health Personnel and 75 Environmental Scientists in Imo State. This gave a total of 150 respondents, which formed the sample size for this study. The instrument used for data collection was a structured questionnaire titled “Maritime Shipping and Transportation with Marine Pollution and Environmental Stress Questionnaire” (MSTMPESQ). Face and content validation of the instrument was carried out by an expert in test, measurement, and evaluation in order to ensure that the instrument has the accuracy, appropriateness, and completeness for the study under consideration. The reliability coefficient obtained was 0.95, and this was high enough to justify the use of the instrument. The researcher subjected the data generated for this study to appropriate statistical technique such descriptive statistics to answer research questions. from the result of the data analysis the effect of maritime shipping and transportation on marine pollution. It was observed that the highest percentage (26.67) was recorded against “introduction of invasive species through ballast water,” while the least percentage (22.67) was recorded against “Underwater noise pollution from ships”. The result also shows that for mitigating strategies to marine pollution and environmental stress. It was observed that the highest percentage (27.33) was recorded against “Enforcement of stringent environmental regulations,” while the least percentage (22.67) was recorded against “Public awareness and community engagement are equally important”. The study concluded that although maritime shipping is indispensable to international commerce, environmentally responsible practices are necessary to balance economic progress with the protection. One of the recommendations was that shipping companies should adopt cleaner fuel alternatives such as low-sulphur fuel, liquefied natural gas, and other renewable energy options.
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