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  thisisplymouth.com 7 May 07
'Balloons can kill marine life'

Marine experts in Plymouth are calling for a balloon ban to safeguard the lives of turtles and other ocean species.

Hundreds of sea creatures die each year after becoming entangled or suffocated by the remnants of balloon races, says Kelvin Boot from the National Marine Aquarium.

"To a turtle, a balloon or plastic bag floating at the surface looks just like their favourite snack of jellyfish," said Kelvin. And it's not just turtles that can suffer."

"Dolphins, whales and many species of seabird and fish can fall foul of the balloons."

The aquarium is appealing to charities and schools who often stage balloon races in the summer months to consider alternatives.

"People would be appalled if they saw turtles and other species being washed up, having choked on a balloon they released," said Kelvin, who admits he would like to see local authorities ban balloon races altogether.

"We don't want to be kill-joys, but we would like to prevent that, if possible, by asking people to consider alternatives."

The Aquarium will be posting a copy of the Marine Conservation Society's Don't Let Go petition by the tank of Snorkel, the aquarium's resident turtle, in advance of World Turtle Day on May 23.

Sarah Hodgekiss, from HeartSWell South West, said that the charity had decided not to stage its traditional balloon race at this year's summer fair after a number of environmental objections.

"When we found out how damaging balloons were to the environment, we realised it really wasn't a good idea," she said.

To sign the Marine Conservation's petition visit: www.mcsuk.org/mcsaction/balloon-petition.php.
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