Marine conservationists are calling for a ban on mass balloon releases because birds and mammals are dying from eating discarded balloons. The Marine Conservation Society (MCS) says organisers of balloon releases should look for different ways to publicise their cause.
The Balloon Association says there is no proof latex balloons kill animals. But the MCS says it has photographs of dead marine birds and mammals washed up on the beach with evidence of interference with wildlife. Though they acknowledge that some balloons are biodegradable, but the MCS points out that the process is a very slow one, especially in water.
Source: BBC News, 12 June 2008
Chapter: Animals & Insects :: 24 December 2008
