Scattering cremated remains in the ocean is a meaningful and widely chosen memorial practice. This act often symbolizes a return to nature and offers peace to grieving families. It connects a loved one’s memory with the marine environment’s vastness and tranquility.
The Composition of Cremated Remains
What people commonly refer to as “ashes” after cremation are not fine, powdery combustion products like wood ash. Instead, they are primarily bone fragments and mineral compounds. The cremation process involves high temperatures, typically between 1,400 to 1,800 degrees Fahrenheit, which incinerates organic matter, leaving skeletal remains. These bone fragments are then processed, or pulverized, into a coarse, gritty, sand-like material.
The chemical composition of these remains is predominantly calcium phosphate, accounting for a significant portion. Other minerals, such as salts of potassium and sodium, are also present in smaller amounts. The color of these remains is typically whitish-gray. An average adult produces between 3 to 10 pounds of remains, with volume and weight relating more to bone density and height than to the deceased’s weight.
Immediate Interaction with Ocean Water
When cremated remains are introduced into ocean water, their immediate behavior is influenced by their physical characteristics. The coarse, granular texture of the bone fragments means they do not immediately dissolve; instead, they tend to disperse upon contact with the water’s surface. Due to their density, which is greater than that of water, the remains typically sink relatively quickly rather than floating extensively. Ocean currents and wave action play a role in the initial spread, helping to distribute the particles within the water column as they descend.
Gradual Dissolution and Integration
The long-term fate of cremated remains in the ocean involves gradual chemical and biological processes. The primary component, calcium phosphate, slowly dissolves over time due to the natural chemistry of seawater. The ocean’s vastness and constant movement facilitate this dissolution.
As these mineral compounds dissolve, they release elements like calcium and phosphorus into the surrounding water. These dissolved minerals then become integrated into the ocean’s natural nutrient cycle. Phosphorus, for example, is an essential nutrient for marine life, particularly phytoplankton, which form the base of the marine food web.
Ecological Considerations
Scattering cremated remains in the ocean is generally considered to have a minimal environmental impact. This is largely due to the small quantity of material and its natural composition, primarily minerals already found in the marine environment. The ocean’s vastness ensures significant dilution and dispersion.
To ensure environmental safety and respect for marine ecosystems, specific guidelines are in place. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulates ocean scattering under the Marine Protection, Research and Sanctuaries Act (MPRSA). Regulations typically require that cremated remains be scattered at least three nautical miles from shore. Any materials placed in the water, such as urns or floral tributes, must be readily decomposable and biodegradable, excluding items like plastic or metal. A report of the burial at sea must also be filed with the EPA within 30 days of the event.