Greta Jimenez
Nonpoint source pollution, which occurs as a result of runoff, is one of the biggest sources of ocean pollution. It can come from many sources, including septic tanks, vehicles, farms, and timber harvest areas. Marine debris, a significant portion of which comes from nonpoint sources, has harmed or killed hundreds of marine species. Plastic pollution, in particular, has had a direct and deadly effect on wildlife, with thousands of seabirds, sea turtles, seals, and other marine mammals dying each year from ingestion or entanglement. While it is challenging to determine the exact number of deaths, estimates range from 100,000 to a million seabirds annually, with similar figures for marine mammals.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of marine animals killed by nonpoint source pollution each year | 100,000 marine animals |
| Number of marine birds killed by nonpoint source pollution each year | 1 million |
| Number of plastic pieces dumped into the ocean each day | 13,000 to 15,000 |
| Number of plastic pieces in every square mile of the ocean | Over 40,000 |
| Number of plastic tons in the ocean each year | 8 to 10 million |
| Number of plastic tons leaked into the ocean in Australia each year | 130,000 |
| Number of plastic tons ingested by fish in the North Pacific each year | 12,000 to 24,000 |
| Number of plastic pieces ingested by sea turtles before an increased risk of death | 14 |
| Percentage of whale, dolphin and porpoise species that have consumed plastic | 56% |
| Percentage of seabird species that have eaten plastic | 60% |
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What You'll Learn
Plastic ingestion by sea animals
Sea turtles are particularly vulnerable to plastic ingestion. Research indicates that approximately half of the sea turtles worldwide have ingested plastic. They often mistake floating plastic bags and sheeting for their jellyfish prey, which can lead to choking, internal injuries, intestinal blockages, and even death. Furthermore, plastic ingestion can cause a false sense of fullness, leading to malnutrition and starvation. This issue is not limited to adult sea turtles; their reproduction rates are also affected by plastic pollution on beaches, impacting the survival of their offspring.
Seabirds are another group severely impacted by plastic pollution. It is estimated that 60% of all seabird species have ingested plastic, and this number is predicted to rise to 99% by 2050. Plastic ingestion in seabirds can lead to reduced stomach capacity, resulting in starvation. Dead seabirds are frequently found with stomachs filled with plastic, highlighting the urgent need to address this issue.
Marine mammals, including whales, dolphins, and seals, are also victims of plastic ingestion. Critically endangered species such as Hawaiian monk seals have been found with large amounts of plastic debris in their habitats. Plastic entanglement has led to injuries and deaths among endangered Steller sea lions. Additionally, plastic can transfer harmful pollutants and chemicals into the water and sediment, further exacerbating the problem.
The impact of plastic ingestion extends beyond the individual animals. Plastic can travel through the food web, starting with algae, which is consumed by filter feeders like oysters, scallops, and mussels. The plastic then moves up the food chain, from crabs and small fish to larger predators such as seals, sharks, and dolphins. As a result, plastic ingestion by sea animals not only affects their health and survival but also disrupts the delicate balance of marine ecosystems.
While the exact number of sea animal deaths directly attributable to nonpoint source pollution is challenging to determine, it is evident that plastic ingestion plays a significant role in the decline of marine life. With plastic pollution accumulating in our oceans and on our beaches, it is imperative to address this global crisis before it is too late.
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Entanglement in plastic debris
Marine debris, including plastic pollution, is a major threat to sea animals, causing harm and death when ingested or through entanglement. Plastic pollution is a global crisis, with billions of pounds of plastic found in the ocean and on beaches, accounting for about 40% of the world's ocean surfaces. The impact of plastic waste on marine biodiversity is significant, yet it often remains unquantified in environmental impact assessments.
Sea turtles, already an endangered species, are particularly vulnerable to plastic pollution. They mistake floating plastic garbage for food, which can lead to choking, internal injuries, or starvation as they feel full from ingesting plastic. Research indicates that half of the sea turtles worldwide have ingested plastic, and they are among the nearly 700 species that eat and get entangled in plastic litter.
Seabirds are another casualty of plastic pollution, with an estimated 60% of all seabird species having eaten plastic. Dead seabirds are often found with stomachs full of plastic, reflecting the increasing presence of plastic in the oceans over the past few decades. Marine mammals, such as whales, have also been found dead with bellies full of plastic, and they can also get tangled up in plastic debris.
The problem of entanglement in plastic debris is not limited to a specific location but is a global issue. Plastic debris can be found in all five of the Earth's major ocean gyres, with the Great Pacific Garbage Patch in the north-central Pacific Ocean being the largest accumulation of plastic. The impact of plastic pollution on marine life is expected to worsen, with predictions that plastic will outweigh all the fish in the sea by 2050.
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Sources of nonpoint source pollution
Nonpoint source pollution is caused by rainfall or snowmelt that moves over and through the ground, picking up and carrying natural and human-made pollutants, which are then deposited into lakes, rivers, wetlands, coastal waters, and groundwater. The sources of nonpoint source pollution are varied and often human-influenced. Here are some of the key sources:
Agricultural Lands and Residential Areas
Farms and residential areas can contribute excess fertilizer nutrients (nitrogen and phosphorus) to water bodies. This can lead to an overload of nutrients in the water, causing harmful algal blooms and oxygen depletion, which can kill aquatic life.
Construction Sites and Land Alterations
Improperly managed construction sites, crop and forest lands, and stream bank alterations can cause sediment runoff. This sediment can cloud the water, reducing light penetration and harming aquatic plant life. It can also smother fish eggs and clog the gills of fish and invertebrates.
Septic Systems and Livestock Operations
Faulty septic systems and livestock operations can introduce pathogens and excess nutrients into water bodies. These pathogens can be harmful to both human and aquatic life, causing diseases and disrupting ecosystems.
Urban Runoff
Stormwater runoff from urban areas can carry oil, grease, toxic chemicals, and salts into nearby water bodies. These pollutants can contaminate water supplies and harm aquatic organisms.
Pesticides and Herbicides
Agricultural and residential use of pesticides and herbicides can contaminate water sources. These chemicals can be toxic to aquatic life, causing population declines and disrupting food chains.
Plastic and Marine Debris
Plastic pollution is a significant source of nonpoint source pollution. Plastic debris can enter oceans and lakes through littering, poor waste management, and stormwater discharge. Marine animals mistake plastic for food, leading to intestinal injuries and death. Plastic can also entangle marine life, restricting movement and causing harm.
It is important to note that nonpoint source pollution is challenging to manage due to its diverse sources and diffuse nature. Controlling and mitigating these sources of pollution are crucial for maintaining the health of aquatic ecosystems and the animals that depend on them.
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Impact on endangered species
Nonpoint source pollution, which occurs as a result of runoff, is one of the biggest sources of pollution in the ocean. It is difficult to control because it comes from multiple locations and sources, including septic tanks, vehicles, farms, timber harvest areas, storm sewers, construction sites, mining areas, and pastures. The impact of nonpoint source pollution on specific waters may not always be fully assessed, but it is known to have harmful effects on drinking water supplies, recreation, fisheries, and wildlife.
The impact of nonpoint source pollution on endangered species is significant. Plastic pollution, in particular, has been found in the habitats of critically endangered Hawaiian monk seals, including areas that serve as pup nurseries. Entanglement in plastic debris has also led to injury and death in the endangered Steller sea lion, with packing bands being the most common entangling material.
In addition to marine mammals, plastic pollution also affects endangered sea turtles. Research indicates that half of the sea turtles worldwide have ingested plastic, mistaking it for food. This can lead to choking, internal injuries, and death, or the sea turtles may starve because they feel full from eating plastic. Endangered Pacific loggerhead sea turtles are among the nearly 700 species that eat and get caught in plastic litter.
Nonpoint source pollution also contributes to the decline of endangered fish species. For example, fish in the North Pacific ingest 12,000 to 24,000 tons of plastic each year, causing intestinal injury and death. This plastic then moves up the food chain, further impacting larger fish and marine mammals.
Overall, nonpoint source pollution poses a significant threat to endangered marine species, including mammals, turtles, and fish. The pervasive nature of plastic pollution and the difficulty in controlling runoff from various land-based sources highlight the urgent need for comprehensive solutions to address this issue and protect vulnerable ecosystems and species.
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How to tackle nonpoint source pollution
Nonpoint source pollution is a leading cause of water quality issues, and it arises from various sources, such as septic tanks, vehicles, farms, and livestock ranches. It occurs due to runoff, which carries pollutants into water bodies. To tackle this issue, a multi-faceted approach is necessary:
Education and Public Action:
The public can play a crucial role in reducing nonpoint source pollution by adopting simple practices. Educating people about the impact of their actions on water quality is essential. This includes encouraging the use of local toxic drop-off sites for chemicals and oils, maintaining vehicles to prevent leaks, and proper septic tank maintenance. Additionally, pet owners should be aware of the impact of pet waste on water quality and be encouraged to pick up after their pets.
Riparian Corridors and Buffer Strips:
Establishing and maintaining riparian corridors, or buffer zones, between used land and streams is vital. These corridors, planted with native vegetation, help regulate water temperature, protect against bank erosion, and filter pollutants from stormwater. Similarly, buffer strips, or grass strips, can be planted between impervious surfaces like parking lots and water bodies. These strips absorb pollutants such as soil, fertilizers, and pesticides, preventing them from reaching the water.
Managing Livestock and Agricultural Practices:
Livestock and agricultural operations significantly contribute to nonpoint source pollution. Fencing off water bodies and providing alternative drinking sources for livestock can reduce their direct impact on water quality. Implementing rotational grazing systems and conservation tillage practices can also reduce erosion and improve water quality. Proper crop nutrient management, including sparing use of fertilizers, is essential to prevent excess nutrient runoff.
Urban Planning and Stormwater Management:
In urban areas, impermeable pavement increases stormwater runoff, leading to higher volumes of water entering water bodies. To mitigate this, porous pavement and pervious surfaces like rain gardens can be utilized to absorb and infiltrate stormwater. Planting rain gardens and connecting downspouts to rain barrels for landscape irrigation are effective measures to manage stormwater.
Sediment and Retaining Fences:
In construction sites and urban areas, sediment fences are employed to control erosion, trap large materials, and filter sediment from rainwater. Similarly, retaining fences prevent contaminants from entering aquatic environments during construction or restoration projects.
Policy and Regulation:
Addressing nonpoint source pollution also requires policy interventions and regulations. The Clean Water Act and the Marine Debris Act, along with its amendments, are examples of legislative actions to tackle this issue. Additionally, advocating for the regulation of plastics as a pollutant under relevant legislation is crucial to address the growing plastic pollution crisis.
By implementing these strategies and fostering collaboration between governments, volunteer groups, professionals, and the public, we can effectively tackle nonpoint source pollution and mitigate its harmful effects on water quality, wildlife, and the environment.
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Frequently asked questions
It is difficult to know the exact number of marine animals that die from nonpoint source pollution, as this type of pollution is harder to identify and address than point-source pollution. However, it is estimated that about 100,000 marine animals die each year from ingesting plastic or getting entangled in plastic-based fishing gear.
Nonpoint source pollution is waste that enters waterways from multiple places at once. Some sources of nonpoint source pollution include septic tanks, vehicles, farms, ranches, and timber harvest areas.
Nonpoint source pollution can have harmful effects on sea animals through the introduction of pollutants into their habitats. These pollutants can be ingested or entangled by marine life, leading to injury, infection, and death.
To reduce the impact of nonpoint source pollution on sea animals, local, national, and international efforts are needed to address this environmental problem. This includes improving waste management practices, reducing littering, and properly disposing of plastic and other pollutants.
