Bronte Wells
The ocean is integral to the planet, sustaining marine life, regulating the climate, and driving the global economy. However, human activities have led to unprecedented levels of ocean pollution, threatening ecosystems, wildlife, human life, and economies. Plastic pollution, in particular, has reached a crisis point, with an estimated 171 trillion plastic pieces floating on the ocean's surface. This plastic pollution breaks down into microplastics, which are ingested by marine life, leading to the contamination of the food chain. Other sources of pollution include nutrient pollution, light pollution, and noise pollution, all of which have devastating effects on marine ecosystems and the planet as a whole.
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What You'll Learn
Plastic pollution from land-based sources
Plastic pollution is a pressing issue that threatens marine ecosystems, wildlife, human life, and economies. It is estimated that there are currently 75 to 199 million tonnes of plastic and waste in our oceans, with 33 billion pounds of plastic entering the oceans annually. This number is expected to increase if no immediate action is taken.
One of the major land-based sources of plastic pollution is mismanaged waste. When plastic waste is not recycled, incinerated, or properly disposed of in sealed landfills, it becomes vulnerable to environmental leakage and ultimately ends up in the ocean. This issue is more prevalent in low-to-middle-income countries, which often lack the necessary waste management infrastructure. As a result, plastic waste from these countries contributes significantly to ocean plastic pollution.
Another significant land-based source of plastic pollution is single-use plastics. These include plastic bags, food wrappers, plastic bottles, straws, cups, plates, and other disposable plastic items. Single-use plastics account for 40% of the plastic produced every year and have extremely short lifespans before becoming persistent environmental pollutants. Despite their short usage time, these plastics can persist in the environment for hundreds of years, ending up in oceans and affecting marine life.
In addition to mismanaged waste and single-use plastics, land-based activities such as shoreline recreational activities and industrial processes contribute to plastic pollution in the ocean. Microplastics, which are plastics smaller than 5mm, are often invisible to the naked eye but pose a significant threat. Synthetic textiles, tire wear, and paint particles are common sources of microplastics that eventually find their way into freshwater environments and the ocean. These microplastics can be ingested by marine organisms, leading to health complications and even death.
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Abandoned fishing gear
The ocean is a vital part of our planet, covering two-thirds of the Earth's surface and providing climate regulation, sustaining marine life, and driving the global economy. However, human activities, including plastic pollution, have put these essential ecosystems at risk. Abandoned, lost, or otherwise discarded fishing gear, known as "ghost gear," is a significant contributor to this issue.
Ghost gear is predominantly made of plastic and, once lost at sea, can wreak havoc on ocean wildlife indefinitely. It is considered the deadliest form of plastic debris for marine life. It has already driven the vaquita porpoise and other marine mammals to the brink of extinction and has impacted at least 66% of marine mammal species, 50% of seabird species, and all species of sea turtles. Ghost gear also damages vital marine habitats such as coral reefs, mangroves, and seagrass beds, threatening the food sources and livelihoods of coastal communities and fishers. Unfortunately, there are no strong estimates of how much ghost gear is in our oceans, but recent studies indicate that it makes up 46-70% of all floating macroplastics (>5mm in size) in the ocean gyres by weight.
The amount of ghost gear in our oceans is likely to have increased with the expansion of fishing grounds and the transition to synthetic, more durable, and buoyant materials for fishing gear. Most marine debris is now made of synthetic plastics, and about 10 million tonnes of plastic may enter the oceans annually. While some gear is lost unintentionally, illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing also contribute to the problem, as fishers may abandon or discard gear to conceal their activities. Additionally, fishing gear may be discarded into the ocean deliberately due to a lack of adequate onshore disposal facilities, high disposal costs, or limited storage space onboard vessels.
Preventative methods are more cost-effective than remedial approaches to addressing the ghost gear issue. Some preventative measures include spatially and temporally separating passive and mobile fishing gear, using high-resolution seabed maps to avoid features that could snag nets, tracking the real-time position of unattended gear using electronic technologies, and implementing gear marking to identify the owner. The Global Ghost Gear Initiative, an international partnership addressing lost and discarded gear, has been established to tackle this issue, with the United States and other governments joining as members.
While the exact amount of abandoned fishing gear in the sea may be unknown, it is clear that it poses a severe threat to marine life and ecosystems. By supporting initiatives and implementing preventative measures, we can work towards reducing the impact of ghost gear and protecting our oceans.
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Microplastics
The ocean is the dominant reservoir for marine litter, with plastic waste contributing about 80% of marine debris. It is estimated that there are currently 75 to 199 million tonnes of plastic and waste in our oceans, with this figure set to increase to a point where, by 2050, plastic will outweigh all fish in the sea.
The presence of microplastics in the ocean is a growing global concern. They have been detected across all oceanic environments and inside marine organisms, with microplastic particles found in 100% of water samples and organisms in the Tropical Eastern Pacific and Galápagos archipelago. This region is one of the first to simultaneously detect and quantify microplastic particles' abundance and their impact on marine life, with particles ranging from 150 to 500 µm in size being the most predominant.
The ingestion of microplastics has been reported in a wide range of marine organisms, from fish to squid and shrimp, all of which are consumed by humans. This confirms that microplastics have infiltrated the marine ecosystem and are currently being underestimated. The increasing scientific evidence of marine organisms ingesting microplastics directly from seawater or from lower trophic levels further emphasizes the need to address this issue.
Efforts are being made to reduce the release of microplastics into the ocean. For example, the Marine Conservation Society is working to reduce microfibres entering the oceans via washing machines, and organizations such as Fidra and Fauna & Flora International are introducing legislation and policies to minimize microplastics in the ocean. Additionally, under UK Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation, and Restriction of Chemicals (REACH), there are calls for a ban on all intentionally added microplastics, following a similar proposal by the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA).
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Plastic pollution's impact on marine life
Marine life is facing a grave threat from plastic pollution in the sea. The ocean, which covers two-thirds of the planet, is home to diverse ecosystems and species, from tiny seahorses to large whales. However, the presence of plastic pollution in the ocean puts these ecosystems and species in danger.
Plastic pollution in the ocean comes from various sources, including mismanaged waste, abandoned fishing gear, single-use plastics, and microplastics. Mismanaged waste refers to littering, poorly managed waste facilities, and overflowing landfills and bins. Abandoned, lost, or discarded fishing gear, often made of plastic, is another significant source of pollution, wreaking havoc on marine life. Single-use plastics, such as plastic bags, bottles, and food wrappers, contribute greatly to the problem, as they make up most of the plastic items found on beaches and waterways. Microplastics, which are smaller than 5 mm, are released from sources like synthetic textiles, tyre wear, and paint particles, and are difficult to see with the naked eye, making them easy for marine animals to accidentally consume.
The impacts of plastic pollution on marine life are extensive and devastating. One of the most visible impacts is the ingestion of plastic by marine animals, including seabirds, whales, fish, and turtles. These animals mistake plastic for food, leading to internal blockages and starvation as their stomachs become filled with indigestible material. Plastic pollution also causes external injuries, reducing the ability of animals to swim and fly effectively. Additionally, microplastics can adsorb toxins, which then transfer to the fatty tissues of organisms that ingest them, potentially leading to long-term health issues. Large marine mammals, such as whales and dolphins, are at risk of entanglement in discarded fishing gear, with an estimated 300,000 whales, dolphins, and porpoises dying each year from this cause. Plastic pollution also contributes to the destruction of habitats, such as coral reefs, which are vital for marine life.
The effects of plastic pollution extend beyond the immediate harm to individual organisms. It is estimated that plastic pollution contributes to the death of more than 100,000 marine mammals annually. With an estimated 75 to 199 million tonnes of plastic currently in the oceans, the problem is widespread and requires urgent attention. If left unchecked, the amount of plastic in the oceans is projected to outweigh all the fish in the sea by 2050.
To address this crisis, efforts must focus on preventing plastic pollution at its source. This includes improving waste management practices, reducing the use of single-use plastics, and promoting the reuse, repurposing, and recycling of plastics. By tackling the issue at its root, we can help protect marine life and preserve the health of our oceans.
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International cooperation to tackle pollution
The ocean is integral to life on Earth, covering three-quarters of the planet's surface, containing 97% of its water, and representing 99% of the living space on Earth by volume. Oceans provide key natural resources, including food, medicines, and biofuels, and they play a crucial role in climate regulation, absorbing over 90% of the world's heat.
However, human activities have severely threatened ocean health, with plastic pollution being one of the most significant issues. Plastic waste accounts for about 80% of marine debris, and it has been found in every corner of the ocean, from the deepest trenches to the most remote Arctic ice sheets. The sources of this plastic pollution are diverse, including single-use plastics, microplastics from synthetic textiles and tyre wear, and abandoned fishing gear ("ghost gear").
To tackle this global crisis, international cooperation is essential. Here are some ways in which nations can work together to address marine pollution:
- Implementing International Agreements: The United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) provides a legal framework for the conservation and sustainable use of oceans and their resources. The 2023 Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction Agreement is another example of a legal framework for activities in the ocean and seas. Adopting and enforcing such agreements through international cooperation is vital for protecting vulnerable marine habitats.
- Reducing Land-Based Sources of Pollution: Land-based activities contribute significantly to marine pollution, including littering, poorly managed waste facilities, and agricultural and wastewater runoff. By cooperating to improve waste management practices, tackle overflowing landfills and bins, and promote sustainable agricultural practices, nations can reduce the amount of pollution entering rivers and oceans.
- River Interception and Ocean Cleanup Technologies: Initiatives like The Ocean Cleanup aim to remove 90% of floating ocean plastic by 2040 by targeting 1000 rivers responsible for a large portion of riverine pollution. International collaboration can help scale and implement such technologies on a global level, intercepting plastic pollution before it reaches the oceans.
- Addressing Ghost Gear and Microplastics: Abandoned fishing gear, or ghost gear, makes up a significant portion of macroplastics in the ocean. International cooperation can lead to the development and enforcement of regulations to reduce the use of plastic in fishing gear and promote sustainable alternatives. Additionally, addressing the issue of microplastics, which are hard to see and come from sources like synthetic textiles and tyre wear, requires collaborative research and policy development to regulate and reduce their environmental impacts.
- Enhancing Scientific Cooperation: Marine ecosystems are complex and vary regionally. By enhancing scientific cooperation, nations can better understand the drivers of marine debris accumulation, predict vertical particle transport, and develop effective conservation strategies. This knowledge can then inform policy decisions and management plans to protect and restore marine and coastal ecosystems.
- Promoting Ocean-Friendly Choices: International cooperation can also extend to raising awareness and educating communities about the impact of their choices on ocean health. Encouraging individuals to make ocean-friendly choices when purchasing products or consuming food derived from the ocean can collectively reduce the demand for single-use plastics and unsustainable fishing practices.
Through these international cooperative efforts, we can work towards a future where plastic no longer pollutes our oceans and threatens marine life. It is crucial to recognize that this crisis requires a global response, with nations working together to address the diverse sources of ocean pollution and protect the health of our planet.
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Frequently asked questions
It is estimated that there are 171 trillion pieces of plastic floating on the ocean's surface. The ocean floor reservoir contains 3-11 million metric tons of plastic pollution.
The most well-known sources of plastic pollution in the ocean are single-use plastics that are thrown out but don't make it to a recycling center or landfill. These include plastic products like food packaging, bottles, and bags. Another source of plastic pollution in the ocean is abandoned, lost, or discarded fishing gear, which is largely made of plastic and wreaks havoc on ocean wildlife.
Plastic pollution in the ocean has severe effects on marine life and ecosystems. Marine animals can get entangled in plastic or mistake it for food, leading to ingestion. Plastic can also leach toxic chemicals into the water, affecting the health of marine organisms. Additionally, the accumulation of plastic waste can result in the creation of dead zones where excess nutrients from runoff reduce oxygen levels, making it impossible for marine life to survive.
