Arctic Ocean Pollution: Understanding The Impact And Severity

The Arctic Ocean is facing a pollution crisis. Despite being relatively clean compared to other marine regions, the Arctic Ocean is a reservoir for industrial and agricultural chemicals from across the world, which are transported there by air and ocean currents.

The Arctic is affected by both local and distant sources of pollution. Locally, pollution is caused by economic activities, industrial development, northern rivers, and military activities, particularly nuclear activity. Globally, the Arctic is affected by the influx of pollutants from other regions, including plastic waste, which is carried to the Arctic by ocean currents, atmospheric transport, and rivers.

The Arctic Ocean is particularly vulnerable to the effects of pollution as it acts as an indicator region for known and new pollutants. Persistent organic pollutants (POPs) and heavy metals are common contaminants in the Arctic and have serious implications for the environment and human health. These contaminants bioaccumulate in the food chain, passing from planktonic microorganisms to fish, and then on to larger wildlife such as polar bears, seals, and whales.

The effects of pollution in the Arctic are wide-ranging, impacting both the environment and human health. Pollution can affect human development, reproduction, hormone function, and weaken the immune system. It can also lead to ecological impacts such as increased primary productivity, decreased calcification rates of shell-forming organisms, the spread of invasive species, and changes in fish distributions.

Addressing Arctic pollution requires a combination of local, regional, and international efforts. While some progress has been made through initiatives like the Arctic Monitoring and Assessment Programme (AMAP) and the Arctic Contaminants Action Program (ACAP), more research and action are needed to mitigate the effects of pollution on the fragile Arctic ecosystem and the communities that depend on it.

How is pollution affecting the wildlife in the Arctic Ocean?

The Arctic Ocean is affected by pollution from economic activities carried out on land, including industrial development, nuclear activity, and the effects of military activities. This pollution includes heavy metals, persistent organic pollutants (POPs), and plastic waste. These contaminants are transported over long distances, reaching the Arctic through rivers, oceans, and the atmosphere.

The impact of pollution on wildlife in the Arctic Ocean is significant. POPs, such as DDT and PCBs, bioaccumulate in the food chain, affecting planktonic microorganisms, fish, and larger wildlife like polar bears, seals, and whales. These toxins accumulate in the fatty tissue and organs of animals, with particularly high levels found in polar bears. Indigenous people who hunt these animals as part of their traditional diet are also exposed to high levels of contaminants, which can affect human development, reproduction, hormone function, and the immune system.

Microplastics, resulting from the breakdown of larger plastic pieces or microbeads from cosmetics, are another concern. These tiny plastic particles, often less than 5mm in size, are easily consumed or inhaled by sea creatures, entering the food chain. Research has shown an increase in the amount of microplastics in the stomachs of seabirds like the northern fulmar, and further studies are needed to understand the impact on humans who consume contaminated fish.

The Arctic Ocean's wildlife is also affected by chemical pollution, including pesticides, and wastewater from settlements. Climate change exacerbates the problem, as melting ice releases toxins into the sea and rivers, and opens up new shipping routes, increasing the risk of oil spills.

Overall, pollution is having a detrimental effect on the wildlife in the Arctic Ocean, threatening the health and survival of various species and disrupting the delicate balance of this fragile ecosystem.

How is pollution affecting the people in the Arctic Ocean?

Pollution in the Arctic Ocean is affecting the people in the region in several ways. The Arctic Ocean acts as a reservoir for industrial and agricultural chemicals from across the world, which are transported there by air and ocean currents. These chemicals include heavy metals such as mercury and lead, as well as persistent organic pollutants (POPs) like DDT, PCBs, and dioxins. These toxins bioaccumulate in the food chain, passing from planktonic microorganisms to fish, and then on to larger wildlife like polar bears, seals, and whales. As a result, indigenous people in the Arctic region who hunt these animals as part of their traditional diet are also exposed to high levels of toxins, which can affect human development, reproduction, hormone function, and weaken the immune system.

In addition to chemical pollution, plastic pollution is also a significant issue in the Arctic Ocean. About 8.3 billion metric tons of plastic are estimated to be present in the Arctic Ocean as of 2017, with an expected increase to 34 billion metric tons by 2050. This plastic pollution comes from a variety of sources, including fishing gear, landfills, wastewater, and offshore industrial activity. The effects of plastic pollution on the local ecosystems and wildlife, such as entanglement and ingestion by marine life, further impact the people of the Arctic as it disrupts the food chain and the natural environment.

The increase in economic and industrial activities in the Arctic region, including mining, oil and gas extraction, and shipping, contribute to the pollution levels in the ocean. Military activities, particularly nuclear activities, and the use of nuclear-powered icebreakers by Russia, also add to the pollution problem. The management of marine pollution in the Arctic is primarily governed by national legislation in coastal states, with some bilateral agreements in place for cooperation on pollution prevention and response. However, there is a lack of a comprehensive legal framework to address all sources of pollution, including military presence and weapons systems.

To address these challenges, organizations like the Arctic Council and its working groups are monitoring and studying the impacts of pollutants on the Arctic ecosystems and communities. International agreements, such as the 'UN ECE's Convention on Long-range Transboundary Air Pollution' and the 'Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants,' have also been established to mitigate pollution in the region. Additionally, local waste management solutions and improved waste collection and treatment facilities are crucial to reducing plastic pollution in the Arctic Ocean.

What are the sources of pollution in the Arctic Ocean?

The Arctic Ocean is affected by pollution from a range of sources, both local and distant. The sources of pollution in the Arctic Ocean include:

• Wastewater and waste from settlements: This includes sewage and other waste that can contain harmful chemicals and pollutants.
• Riverine nutrient inputs: The thawing of permafrost and erosion can release nutrients and pollutants into rivers that eventually flow into the Arctic Ocean.
• Emissions from tourism and shipping: As the Arctic becomes more accessible due to melting ice, there is an increase in tourism and shipping activities, which can lead to air and water pollution from fuel emissions and waste disposal.
• Long-range atmospheric and oceanic pollution: Industrial and agricultural chemicals, such as heavy metals and persistent organic pollutants (POPs), are transported over long distances through air and ocean currents, eventually reaching the Arctic.
• Commercial fisheries: The fishing industry contributes to pollution through fuel emissions, waste disposal, and the use of fishing gear made from non-biodegradable materials.
• Chemical and waste emissions from resource exploitation: The extraction of minerals, oil, and gas can result in chemical and waste emissions, including oil spills, which can have devastating effects on the fragile Arctic ecosystem.
• Military activities: The presence of military weapons systems and the use of nuclear-powered vessels contribute to pollution, particularly radioactive contamination.
• Plastic pollution: It is estimated that there are approximately 8.3 billion metric tons of plastic in the Arctic Ocean, with an expected increase to 34 billion metric tons by 2050.

How is pollution affecting the climate in the Arctic Ocean?

The Arctic Ocean is affected by pollution from a variety of sources, including industrial development in the region, northern rivers, and military activities, particularly nuclear activity. The effects of this pollution are felt on the climate of the Arctic Ocean, with consequences for the environment and human health.

The Arctic Ocean acts as a reservoir for industrial and agricultural chemicals from Europe, Asia, and further afield, which are transported there by air and ocean currents. These chemicals, including heavy metals and persistent organic pollutants (POPs), are trapped in the cold temperatures and ice-bound environment, degrading slowly. As the ice melts in the summer, the toxins are washed into the sea and rivers, where they can bioaccumulate in the food chain. This has harmful effects on wildlife and indigenous people who depend on traditional diets.

In addition to chemical pollution, the Arctic Ocean is also affected by plastic pollution, with an estimated 8.3 billion metric tons of plastic in the region as of 2017, and an expected increase to 34 billion metric tons by 2050. Plastic pollution in the Arctic Ocean comes from both local and distant sources, including fisheries, landfills, wastewater, and offshore industrial activity. The increase in maritime traffic due to melting ice is also contributing to plastic pollution in the region.

The effects of pollution on the climate of the Arctic Ocean are complex and multifaceted. For example, black carbon, a short-lived climate pollutant, contributes to atmospheric warming and the melting of reflective ice and snow. The reduction in sea ice also leads to changes in ocean currents, which can affect the transport and distribution of pollutants. Climate change, in turn, can amplify the effects of pollution, creating a feedback loop. For instance, increased temperatures can accelerate the breakdown of plastics, leading to an increase in microplastics in the environment.

To address the issue of pollution in the Arctic Ocean, national and international efforts are underway. The Arctic Council, established in 1996, promotes cooperation and sustainable development in the region. Additionally, organizations like the International Council on Clean Transportation (ICCT) have suggested that a shift to cleaner fuels could help reduce pollution levels in the Arctic. However, more urgent mitigation measures are needed at both the regional and international levels to decrease plastic production and improve waste management.

How is plastic pollution affecting the Arctic Ocean?

Plastic pollution in the Arctic Ocean is a pressing issue that is affecting the region's delicate ecosystems and local communities. The Arctic is facing a dual threat from plastic pollution and climate change, with plastic waste infiltrating the region from both local and distant sources. Here is an overview of how plastic pollution is impacting the Arctic Ocean:

Sources of Plastic Pollution in the Arctic Ocean:

• The Arctic Ocean is affected by plastic pollution originating from a variety of sources, including local activities such as fishing, shipping, and waste management practices in Arctic communities.
• Distant sources also play a significant role, with ocean currents, atmospheric transport, and rivers carrying plastic pollution from lower latitudes to the Arctic.
• Abandoned, lost, or discarded fishing gear is a major contributor to plastic pollution in the Arctic Ocean, especially in regions like the Greenland and Barents Seas.
• Domestic waste, such as bottles, containers, plastic bags, and fabrics, also contribute to plastic pollution in the Arctic.
• Microplastics, which can be directly manufactured or formed through the breakdown of larger plastic items, are widely distributed in the Arctic. They are transported by ocean and atmospheric currents and can be found in snow, seawater, sea ice, and sediments.

Impacts of Plastic Pollution on the Arctic Ocean:

• Plastic pollution has infiltrated the Arctic food web, affecting many endemic species. It is ingested by a variety of marine organisms, including zooplankton, invertebrates, fish, seabirds, and marine mammals.
• Ingestion of plastic can lead to internal injuries, obstruction of the intestinal tract, and malnutrition in these organisms. It may also result in death, especially if it inhibits fluid intake.
• Plastic pollution acts as a vector for chemicals and toxic substances, which can be absorbed by marine life and transferred up the food chain.
• Plastic debris can entangle and trap marine animals, leading to injuries, restricted movement, starvation, and even death.
• Floating plastic can transport invasive species, altering local ecosystems.
• Plastic pollution has aesthetic and economic impacts on the region, affecting tourism and the perception of the Arctic as a pristine wilderness.

Addressing Plastic Pollution in the Arctic Ocean:

• There is an urgent need for mitigation measures to reduce plastic production, improve waste management practices, and promote circular economy approaches to prevent further ecosystem degradation in the Arctic.
• International collaboration and regional efforts are required to address plastic pollution in the Arctic effectively, as it is a transboundary issue.
• The Arctic Council and its working groups are playing a crucial role in raising awareness, monitoring plastic pollution, and developing strategies to address this issue.
• Local communities in the Arctic also actively participate in research and monitoring initiatives, contributing to a better understanding of plastic pollution and its impacts.

Frequently asked questions