Please (Don’t) Release Me!
Updated November 2007

	These balloons were picked up from Dublin Bay in 2007. They create a serious risk to marine mammals who often mistake balloons for food such as jellyfish. Photo credit: Tom McManamon www.newhorizon.ie

CAPS has been informed about a petition calling on the UK Government to ban the mass release of balloons because of the damage they cause to wildlife. If you are a UK citizen you can sign the petition at http://petitions.pm.gov.uk/save-wildlife/

Original article - November 2004

Balloon releases have been used for many years as an eye-catching way of publicising an event or raising funds for a variety of organisations, particularly charities. However, they also pose a major threat to land and marine animals who often eat deflated balloons mistaking them for food.

CAPS and other animal protection and conservation organisations encourage people not to organise balloon releases and many event organisers are now turning to other stunts that gain publicity without risking wildlife.

What’s the Problem?

According to beach clean surveys by the Marine Conservation Society (MCS), the number of balloons and balloon pieces found on UK beaches each year has trebled since 1996. While most balloons burst into tiny pieces after reaching high altitudes, around 10% don’t burst and eventually come to earth, often many miles from where they were released.

Balloons, as with all plastic litter, pose a serious threat to wildlife. If swallowed, they can damage or block the gut and lead to starvation. Marine turtles are particularly at risk as they feed on animals, like jellyfish, that float on the surface. Of the five species of marine turtle that have been recorded in UK and Irish waters, Leatherbacks are the most commonly sighted and are believed to migrate thousands of kilometres across the Atlantic Ocean to feed on our abundant jellyfish.

Latex (rubber) balloons may take six months to degrade but studies indicate that balloons floating in seawater deteriorate much more slowly and may retain their elasticity after 12 months. Foil balloons may take many years to break down, and may never fully biodegrade. Some rubber balloons are now marketed as biodegradable but these still take many months to break down and should not be released.

Birds can become entangled in the string used to tie balloons and other plastic parts, such as a valve, can become ingested by a wide range of species.

What Can Be Done?

CAPS has helped persuade several charities and event organisers to cancel planned balloon releases after making them aware of the risks. In addition, several councils in the UK have now banned balloon releases for environmental reasons.

As an alternative to traditional balloon releases, paper balloons can be used (preferably not released outdoors, as, while they are much less dangerous to animals they will still cause littering). Paper balloons in the shapes of doves can be bought or even better why not make your own? There are many sites on the internet that show how to make paper balloons.

Wildlife charity Marine Connection suggest a number of alternatives to balloon releases on their website , such as planting a tree, if the release was to be in aid of a celebration such as a wedding or in memory of loved ones.

The MCS also makes a number of suggestions, including hiring a balloon artist or popping balloons indoors to reveal a few winning prize tickets inside.

If you are aware of anyone planning to organise a mass release of balloons please contact CAPS and we will make them aware of the dangers to wildlife.