Kiera Jefferson
The Atlantic Ocean is the third most polluted ocean globally, with an estimated 11 million tonnes of plastic dumped into it each year. The ocean contains two garbage patches, in the North and South, and there are at least 10 times more plastic pollutants in the ocean than previously thought. The plastic in the ocean is ingested by marine life, causing harm to wildlife and humans. The majority of pollutants in the ocean come from human activities, such as oil spills, noise pollution, and nonpoint source pollution, which can include runoff from farms, septic tanks, and vehicles.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Plastic pollution | 10 times more plastic than previously thought, with 7,000 microplastics per cubic meter |
| Plastic waste projection | Projected to rise dramatically by 2040 |
| Plastic waste in the Atlantic Ocean | 200 million tonnes |
| Oil spills | An oil spill in September 2019 affected 3,000 km of the South Atlantic Ocean and 1,000 Brazilian beaches |
| Noise pollution | High-intensity sonar used by the U.S. Navy and seismic blasts from offshore oil and gas exploration affect marine wildlife |
| Nonpoint source pollution | Runoff from topsoil, silt, septic tanks, vehicles, farms, livestock ranches, and timber harvest areas |
| Point source pollution | Oil spills, chemical spills, discharge from faulty factories or water treatment systems |
| Harmful algal blooms | Can lead to temporary beach closures |
| Marine debris | Plastic detergent bottles, crates, buoys, combs, water bottles, and other litter |
| Microplastics | Ingested by fish and other species that filter their food from the water |
| Shellfish-growing waters affected | More than one-third of shellfish-growing waters in the U.S. |
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What You'll Learn
Plastic pollution
The Atlantic Ocean is estimated to contain around 200 million tons of plastic, with 12-21 million tons of microplastics floating in the top 200 meters under the waves. This is ten times more than previously believed, as the plastic is largely hidden beneath the surface of the ocean. The three most common types of microplastic in the upper levels of the ocean are polyethylene, polypropylene, and polystyrene, which are mainly used for packaging. These plastics have a short lifetime but contribute to 56% of global plastic waste.
The majority of plastic pollution in the ocean is caused by littering, with plastic items such as food wrappings, plastic bags, razors, and bottles ending up in waterways and eventually the ocean. However, not all plastic waste in the ocean is a result of littering, as a significant amount of microplastics are the product of improper manufacturing processes, and about 20% of the ocean's plastic pollution comes from industrial fishing. Middle-income countries, where plastic usage is growing and waste management systems are lacking, are the source of most plastic emissions.
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Oil spills
In 2019, an oil spill in the South Atlantic Ocean affected more than 3,000 km of ocean and around 1,000 Brazilian beaches. This spill impacted coral reef habitats and threatened marine biodiversity. The spill also affected the livelihoods of approximately 870,000 people employed in artisanal fisheries and local tourism. The Brazilian government faced challenges in managing this environmental disaster due to institutional and procedural limits.
Another notable oil spill is the Deepwater Horizon incident, which occurred in the Gulf of Mexico and had lasting impacts on the region. Oil spills can also occur during the search for offshore oil and gas reserves. Ships equipped with high-powered airguns create seismic blasts that can disrupt the behaviour of endangered whales and other marine life, leading some species to abandon their habitats.
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) plays a crucial role in addressing oil spills. NOAA's Office of Response and Restoration provides science-based expertise to the U.S. Coast Guard, which is the primary agency overseeing responses to oil spills in U.S. waters.
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Noise pollution
The Atlantic Ocean, like other oceans, is exposed to noise pollution, which has increased dramatically over the last few decades. This type of pollution is caused by human activities such as commercial shipping, oil exploration, seismic surveys, offshore wind turbine installation, and military sonar, which generate unnatural and excessive sound underwater.
Sources of Noise Pollution
Marine vessels are a predominant source of noise pollution in the oceans. Globally, just about 15% of the global fleet accounts for half of the noise emissions caused by shipping. Cargo ships can emit noise of up to 190 decibels, which is louder than a plane taking off. The bigger and faster a ship is, the louder it is, and with shipping having increased massively in recent decades, noise pollution has doubled every decade since the 1960s. In European waters, noise levels doubled between 2014 and 2019.
Other sources of noise pollution include seismic surveys, sonar, construction, deep-sea mining, and oil and gas extraction and processing. Seismic surveys involve blasting loud sounds into the ocean to map the seafloor, while sonar systems emit signals with an intensity of up to 240 decibels to detect submarines. Military activities, along with the oil industry and shipping, are among the biggest noise polluters in the ocean.
Effects on Marine Life
Additionally, noise pollution can mask the sounds produced by marine wildlife, leading to changes in individual and social behaviour, altered metabolisms, and hampered population recruitment, which can affect the health and service functions of marine ecosystems. It can also increase stress levels, as seen in right whales exposed to vessel noise.
Mitigation Measures
To reduce noise pollution in the marine environment, policies and measures are necessary. Slowing down ships can reduce noise output and lower the risk of collisions with whales. The International Maritime Organization (IMO) is working on revising guidelines for reducing noise emissions from shipping, and technological innovations are being considered. Canada is also developing a national ocean noise strategy, which includes targets for noise reduction and mechanisms for monitoring and enforcement.
Additionally, quieter technologies need to be developed, and activities that disproportionately affect soundscapes should be restricted in critical or sensitive habitats. By reducing anthropogenic noise, marine life will be able to better withstand other pressures, such as climate change and overfishing.
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Nonpoint source pollution
The water from NPS pollution eventually empties into streams, lakes, rivers, or oceans, carrying pollutants that can be harmful to the environment and public health. These pollutants can include motor oil, oil-based chemicals, dirt, topsoil, silt, and human-made contaminants. NPS pollution can severely impact the commercial fishing industry and coastal communities, affecting the quality of life and driving down property values.
The concentration of pollutants from NPS pollution may be lower than that from a point source, such as an oil or chemical spill. However, the total amount of pollutants delivered from nonpoint sources can be higher due to their numerous origins. NPS pollution is challenging to control because it arises from multiple locations.
To address NPS pollution, organizations like the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) have implemented initiatives such as the Coastal Zone Management Program. This program aims to create specific nonpoint source pollution control plans for participating coastal states. When NPS pollution causes issues, NOAA scientists work to identify the exact causes and develop solutions.
Additionally, individuals can play a crucial role in reducing NPS pollution. Suggested actions include minimizing water pollution and runoff, being mindful of plastic consumption, and organizing cleanups of local waterways. These collective efforts are essential for safeguarding marine ecosystems and the well-being of coastal communities.
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Point source pollution
Oil spills are a significant contributor to point source pollution in the Atlantic Ocean. In September 2019, an oil spill affected more than 3,000 km of the South Atlantic Ocean and around 1,000 Brazilian beaches. This disaster highlighted the management difficulties in addressing large environmental accidents.
Chemical spills are another form of point source pollution. Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are human-made chemicals that are resistant to biodegradation. PFAS have been found in ground, surface, and drinking water, and can have detrimental effects on the environment and human health.
Noise pollution is also considered a form of point source pollution. High-intensity sonar used by the U.S. Navy for testing and training has been linked to mass whale strandings. Additionally, in the search for offshore oil and gas, ships use high-powered airguns that fire compressed air into the water, creating deafening seismic blasts. These blasts can disrupt the vital behaviors of endangered whales and other marine life, and can even lead to their abandonment of habitats.
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Frequently asked questions
The Atlantic Ocean is polluted with plastic, oil, carbon emissions, and noise.
The Atlantic Ocean is the third most polluted ocean in the world. It is polluted by plastic waste from countries like Indonesia, Thailand, and India, which have access to this ocean. In addition, plastic waste is carried into the ocean by major rivers such as the Amazon, Mississippi, and Congo.
Oil ends up in the Atlantic Ocean through oil spills and the routine operations of the oil and gas industry.
Carbon ends up in the Atlantic Ocean through carbon emissions from human activities. These emissions can come from sources such as septic tanks, vehicles, farms, and livestock ranches.
Noise in the Atlantic Ocean is caused by high-intensity sonar used by the U.S. Navy for testing and training, as well as seismic blasts from ships exploring for offshore oil and gas.
