Brian Barton
Oceans cover more than 70% of the Earth's surface and are among the planet's most valuable natural resources. They govern the weather, clean the air, help feed the world, and provide a living for millions. However, human activities have led to the pollution of these vital ecosystems. Marine pollution is a combination of chemicals and trash, with plastic constituting 80% of all marine debris. The presence of plastic in the ocean is increasing, and plastic pollution is a leading cause of marine species extinction, health problems for humans and animals, and ecosystem destruction. This is exacerbated by the fact that plastic can take hundreds of years to degrade, if at all, instead breaking down into microplastics, which can be ingested by marine life. Other types of ocean pollution include carbon emissions, leaking oil, noise pollution, and chemical contamination.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Main types of pollution | Plastics, trash, fossil fuels, oil, carbon emissions, noise, chemicals, nutrient pollution |
| Percentage of plastic recycled | 9% |
| Percentage of plastic waste not collected, improperly disposed of, or littered | 22% |
| Amount of plastic waste in the ocean each year | 8-10 million metric tons |
| Amount of plastic in the ocean | 50-75 trillion pieces |
| Other estimates of the amount of plastic in the ocean | 15-51 trillion pieces |
| Percentage of plastic pollution caused by littering | Majority |
| Percentage of marine debris originating on land | Majority |
| Number of marine species negatively impacted by marine debris | Hundreds |
| Number of ocean gyres | 5 |
| Number of garbage patches | 5 |
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Plastic pollution
The majority of plastic pollution in the ocean is caused by littering, with disposable plastic items such as food wrappings, plastic bags, razors, and bottles ending up in waterways and eventually in the ocean. Plastic is produced from fossil fuels, and while it has revolutionized our lives, it has also led to a throwaway culture that has severe environmental consequences. The fossil fuel industry's plans to increase plastic production by 40% over the next decade will only exacerbate the problem.
Microplastics, tiny particles of plastic smaller than 5mm, are a significant component of plastic pollution. They can be ingested by marine animals, entering the food chain and leading to disastrous consequences for the health of our planet and its inhabitants. Research has shown that fish, seabirds, and marine mammals are all affected by plastic pollution, with at least 267 species impacted worldwide.
To address plastic pollution, individual behaviour change, improved waste management, and legislative action are all necessary. Reducing the use and production of plastic, improving recycling facilities, and supporting organizations working to stop plastic pollution at its source are crucial steps towards tackling this global crisis.
The presence of plastic in our oceans is a pressing issue that requires urgent action from individuals, communities, and governments worldwide. By raising awareness, changing our habits, and advocating for systemic change, we can work towards reducing the impact of plastic pollution on our marine environments and ecosystems.
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Marine debris
The majority of marine debris comes from human activities on land, such as littering, poor waste management practices, and stormwater discharge, and enters the ocean and Great Lakes through rivers and streams. Some debris, such as derelict fishing gear, can also come from ocean-based sources. This lost or abandoned gear is a major problem because it can continue to capture and kill wildlife, damage sensitive habitats, and even compete with and damage active fishing equipment.
The impact of marine debris is widespread and detrimental. It can injure or kill marine and coastal wildlife, damage and degrade habitats, interfere with navigational safety, cause economic loss to fishing and maritime industries, degrade the quality of life in coastal communities, and threaten human health. For example, heavy metals and other contaminants can accumulate in seafood, making it harmful for humans to consume. Microplastics, which are tiny particles of plastic that do not fully degrade, can be ingested by marine animals and enter the food chain, leading to disastrous consequences for the health of our planet and all its inhabitants.
Addressing the issue of marine debris requires a multi-faceted approach. While individual behaviour changes, such as volunteering to pick up litter in local communities, are important, they are not sufficient to prevent ocean plastic pollution. It is also essential to support legislation that aims to reduce plastic use and production, improve recycling facilities, and better manage waste. Additionally, research and education play a crucial role in deepening our understanding of the issue and implementing effective policies.
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Chemical contamination
Oceans cover more than 70% of the Earth's surface and are essential for the health of our ecosystems, including human life. However, human activities have led to significant chemical contamination of our oceans, threatening marine life and human health.
Industrial pollution is another major source of chemical contamination. Factory runoff, chemical discharges, and agricultural practices contribute to the problem. These activities introduce various chemicals, acids, alkaline, scrap metals, sludge, and coal ash into the ocean, further exacerbating the issue of nutrient pollution.
One of the most concerning aspects of chemical contamination is the presence of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). PFAS are a group of nearly 15,000 synthetic chemicals that are highly resistant to biodegradation. Once leaked into the ocean, PFAS can be absorbed by marine mammals and eventually enter the human food chain, posing a significant threat to human health.
In addition to PFAS, crude oil spills from ships and oil used in vehicles, lawnmowers, and other equipment contribute to chemical pollution in the ocean. Oil spills can have devastating and long-lasting impacts on marine ecosystems, with the 2010 Deepwater Horizon well blowout in the Gulf of Mexico being a notable example.
To address chemical contamination and its harmful consequences, it is essential to reduce the use of chemicals that contribute to nutrient pollution, such as excessive chemical fertilizers. Choosing organic fertilizers or using them sparingly can help mitigate this issue. Additionally, regulating industrial practices and implementing measures to prevent oil spills and the discharge of chemicals into the ocean are crucial steps toward reducing chemical contamination in our oceans.
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Noise pollution
Noise from human activities such as shipping, recreational boating, and energy exploration can travel long distances underwater, leading to increases and changes in ocean noise levels in many coastal and offshore habitats. These rising noise levels can negatively impact ocean animals and ecosystems. Higher noise levels can reduce the ability of animals to communicate with potential mates, other group members, their offspring, or feeding partners.
The sources of ocean noise pollution are varied and include commercial shipping, oil exploration, seismic surveys, offshore wind turbine installation, and military sonar. Cargo ships can emit as much as 190 decibels of noise, which is much louder than a plane taking off. Globally, just about 15% of the global fleet accounts for half of the noise emissions into the ocean caused by shipping. To reduce noise pollution from shipping, we can slow ships down, achieve better maintenance and optimisation of propeller design, and use alternative technologies like 'marine vibroseis' instead of airguns.
Another source of noise pollution is military activities, with powerful active sonar systems emitting signals with an intensity of up to 240 decibels. These systems have been linked to numerous atypical whale strandings. Detonations from weapon tests, old ammunition lying on the seabed, and firing during manoeuvres also contribute to the noise.
Other sources of noise pollution include port construction work, setting up and operating offshore oil and gas drilling platforms, fisheries, and fish farms. Oil and gas exploration can also contribute to noise pollution, with seismic blasts used for exploration causing damage to the hearing organs of cetaceans and resulting in temporary or permanent hearing loss.
The effects of noise pollution on marine life are significant. It can interfere with and obscure their ability to hear natural sounds in the ocean, disrupting their natural behaviours and communication. It can also cause panic and send animals into disoriented states, making them unable to hunt successfully. Noise pollution can also lead to changes in individual and social behaviour, altered metabolisms, and hampered population recruitment, which can affect the health and service functions of marine ecosystems.
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Oil pollution
Oil exploration, drilling, and decommissioning also release dangerous chemicals and create noise pollution, which negatively impacts marine life. Offshore oil production operations, including drilling and leaks from tankers and ships, contribute to approximately 8% of the total amount of oil waste that enters the ocean. Additionally, about 13% of oil pollution comes from hydrocarbon particles from onshore air pollution, and over 8% comes from natural seepage from the seafloor.
When oil enters the ocean, it typically spreads on the water's surface, forming a slick. In rough seas, the wind, waves, and currents can break up the slick, causing it to spread to larger areas, including open oceans, terrestrial and marine habitats, and coastal regions. Oil spills poison marine life, from small zooplankton to dolphins and whales, and can have long-lasting or permanent impacts on the environment. The cleanup and recovery of oil spills depend on the type of environment affected and can include methods such as filtering, skimming, and in situ combustion or containment.
To address oil pollution, there have been successful campaigns to oppose offshore drilling, and governments have withdrawn certain waters from offshore oil and gas leasing. Additionally, the U.K. has committed to protecting 30% of the world's oceans by 2030, which includes safeguarding marine life and building resilience against climate change. However, oil drilling continues in some marine protected areas, highlighting the ongoing challenges in fully addressing oil pollution.
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Frequently asked questions
The ocean is polluted by a variety of human activities, including littering, poor waste management, storm water discharge, extreme natural events, and offshore drilling. The majority of ocean pollution comes from land sources, with rivers being the main source of plastic pollution.
It is estimated that there are currently 50-75 trillion pieces of plastic and microplastics in the ocean, with about 8-10 million metric tons of plastic entering the ocean each year.
Marine debris can harm or kill animals when ingested or when they become entangled in it. It can also damage sensitive habitats and interfere with navigation safety. Microplastics, in particular, can be ingested by a variety of marine organisms, leading to disastrous consequences for the health of the planet and all its inhabitants.
The Great Pacific Garbage Patch is a gyre of plastic debris located in the north-central Pacific Ocean, between Hawaii and California. It is the largest accumulation of plastic in the world, with plastics and microplastics floating on and below the surface of swirling ocean currents in an area of about 1.6 million square kilometers.
To reduce ocean pollution, it is important to change individual behaviors and habits, support legislation that aims to reduce plastic use and production, improve recycling facilities, and better manage waste. Volunteering to pick up litter in local communities and supporting organizations working to combat ocean pollution are also effective ways to contribute to the solution.
