Superstitions, customs, and mysterious symbols – how do they affect the sea?

(haipo) – A man will live by his faith, but what about nature? Superstitions and traditional customs have accompanied human culture for generations, but what happens when they spill over into the marine environment?

Along the coast of Israel, and especially in shallow waters, evidence of various strange customs can be found: padlocks submerged in water, coins thrown into the sea, and mysterious symbols left on the seabed. Many are unaware of the impact of these things, but the truth is that they are a real environmental hazard.

Strange locks and symbols in the depths of the sea

The phenomenon exists all over the world – it is a common custom around the world to put padlocks on bridges and railings, as a symbol of eternal love, and it turns out that this custom has also trickled down to the surface of the water. Along the coast of Israel, dozens of padlocks have been found, some with keys, others without keys, alongside other mysterious symbols scattered in the sea, such as statues, pebbles with inscriptions, and other objects that are often inexplicable. To the authorities, this may seem like a minor matter, but when the accumulated weight of the metal causes damage to infrastructure and even affects the marine ecology – it is already a serious problem.

Coins in the Sea – Faith or Environmental Hazard?

Around the world, people throw coins into city fountains, believing that their wishes will come true. But when this custom reaches the sea, the results are less magical. The seemingly innocent coins are made of copper, aluminum and chromium – metals that break down in saltwater and harm marine life. The chemistry is simple: The copper oxidizes and turns green, the aluminum turns white, and chromium is a heavy metal that can be toxic. The result? Creating a hostile environment for creatures that need clean water to survive.

The chefThe time of metallurgy on marine animals

Metals dumped into the ocean have a cumulative effect on marine life. A small example of this can be found even in a home aquarium: Years ago, a friend told me that his red snapper crabs had begun to weaken to the point where they could barely move. After investigation, it turned out that he had put tin and brass rods in the aquarium to anchor plastic plants. After the water was changed and the rods were removed, some of the crabs recovered. Now, imagine the same effect on a larger scale, in seawater, as the metals continue to be released and pollute the environment.

Waste concentrations along the beaches

Metal dumping is not uncommon, and concentrations of such pollutants are found in many areas along Israel's coast. Naturalists, swimmers, and divers have documented deposits of metals accumulating on the seabed, often near tourist attractions or sites where ceremonies and events related to various beliefs are held. Volunteers and environmental organizations are working to remove the waste from the water, but without widespread public awareness, the problem will only get worse.

Nature fights – but not forever

Can nature cope with the damage? To some extent, yes. After the objects sink and rest on the seabed, marine creatures such as sea urchins begin to settle on them, creating a natural protective layer. But this is only a partial solution, and the toxic effect of the metals does not disappear completely. Even in places where nuclear tests were carried out, such as Bikini Atoll, the ecosystem has returned to flourish after decades – but it is a long and tedious process.

Respecting faith – and nature

Despite nature's impressive ability to survive, the responsibility to prevent damage lies with us. The phenomenon of throwing objects into the sea may be symbolic and traditional, but in reality it harms the sensitive ecosystem. Beliefs are a personal thing, but the damage they cause to the environment is tangible. Even if one believes in one custom or another, one does not disdain it and finds a way that does not harm nature.