Letter to the Editor: Proposed ban on releasing balloons will benefit marine life

On behalf of our local marine life, I would like to say thank you to the bipartisan effort of our state legislature in moving Senate Bill 24 forward to a full vote. This bill would ban the intentional release of balloons in Delaware. Released balloons not only increase the amount of plastic pollution but are a hazard to marine life, which mistake balloons as possible food or become entangled.

If you do not think this is a problem, consider this: Last year, the Surfrider Foundation’s Delaware chapter collected over 100 balloons during our multiple coastal cleanups. There were 35 found in one day. During our most recent cleanup March 20 at Cape Henlopen State Park, we collected 36 balloons, including a bundle of 17. This brings our 2021 total to 56, and it is only March.

Bravo to Sen. Stephanie Hansen, D-Middletown, for sponsoring this bill and to the numerous Democratic and Republican senators and representatives who supported the bill through two committee hearings. To ensure passage, please contact your district’s senator and representative and encourage them to vote yes on SB 24.

Brian Moran

Vice chair

Surfrider Foundation’s Delaware chapter