Ocean Cleanup: Saving Endangered Species

The ocean is a vital ecosystem, home to millions of species, and provides more than half of the world's oxygen. However, it is under constant threat from human-caused pollution, with approximately 80% of ocean pollution coming from land-based sources. Plastic pollution is one of the most significant issues, with around 1.7 million tonnes ending up in the ocean each year. This has devastating consequences for marine life, with many animals becoming entangled in plastic or suffering from ingestion of plastic particles and toxic chemicals. Reducing ocean pollution is essential to protect the health of the ocean and the species that depend on it, including endangered species such as the Hawaiian Monk seal, Pacific Loggerhead sea turtle, and Southern Resident orca population.

Reducing plastic production and waste

One critical aspect of reducing plastic waste is curbing single-use plastic consumption. Single-use plastics, such as plastic bags, water bottles, straws, cups, and utensils, are designed to be discarded after one use, contributing significantly to the plastic waste problem. By refusing single-use plastics and opting for reusable alternatives, individuals can make a substantial impact. Governments and businesses can also play a role by implementing policies and bans to reduce the availability and use of single-use plastics.

Another important strategy is to support legislation and initiatives aimed at reducing plastic production and improving waste management. This includes advocating for regulations that hold plastic producers accountable for the waste generated by their products. For example, extended producer responsibility (EPR) legislation makes plastic producers and distributors responsible for their products and packaging at the end of their life cycles. Additionally, supporting organisations working to reduce and eliminate plastic pollution can help drive change on a larger scale.

Microplastics, tiny plastic particles found in products like face scrubs and toothpaste, are another significant source of ocean pollution. These microplastics can slip through water treatment plants and are often ingested by marine animals. By boycotting products containing microbeads and supporting bans on their use, individuals can help reduce this form of plastic pollution.

Finally, recycling and proper waste management are crucial. While recycling alone cannot solve the plastic crisis, it is essential to keep plastic waste out of the oceans and reduce the amount of "new" plastic in circulation. Individuals can play a role by effectively recycling plastic waste and supporting initiatives for improved waste management infrastructure.

Improving wastewater systems

Develop Sustainable Wastewater Infrastructure

Currently, around 3 billion people worldwide lack access to controlled waste disposal facilities, which leads to untreated wastewater being discharged into oceans and other water bodies. This untreated wastewater contains various pollutants, including pathogens, plastics, and chemicals, which pose severe risks to both human and environmental health. Therefore, it is essential to develop and implement sustainable wastewater infrastructure in these regions. This infrastructure should include proper treatment plants that can effectively remove impurities and pollutants before the water is released back into the environment.

Enhance Wastewater Treatment Technologies

Wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) play a crucial role in removing pollutants from wastewater. However, there is a need to enhance their capabilities, especially when it comes to removing microplastics. While WWTPs can remove larger microplastic particles, they often struggle with smaller particles. By investing in research and development, we can create innovative technologies that specifically target the removal of microplastics. This will not only reduce ocean pollution but also protect marine life and ecosystems.

Implement Policies and Regulations

There is a lack of policies and regulations mandating the removal of microplastics during wastewater treatment. As public awareness and concern about microplastic pollution grow, policymakers should step up and implement strict regulations. These regulations should set standards for the allowable levels of microplastics in treated wastewater and encourage the adoption of innovative technologies for their removal. Additionally, policies should promote the recycling and reuse of wastewater to reduce the strain on freshwater resources and further minimize ocean pollution.

Separate Stormwater and Wastewater Systems

In many older cities, combined sewer systems are in place, where stormwater and wastewater are mixed and treated together. However, during heavy rainfall or storms, these systems can become overwhelmed, leading to the overflow of untreated sewage into nearby water bodies, including oceans. To address this issue, separate stormwater and wastewater systems should be implemented. Storm sewers can redirect stormwater to nearby streams or rivers, while sanitary sewers can carry domestic and industrial wastewater to treatment plants. This separation will reduce the risk of untreated sewage polluting the oceans and improve the overall treatment process.

Educate and Raise Awareness

Using eco-friendly products

Eco-friendly products are those that do not harm the environment or ecology during their production, use, or disposal. They are typically made from natural products, but even if the raw materials are natural, care is taken not to harm nature.

Reducing Plastic Waste

Every year, 8 million tons of plastic end up in the sea, with plastic bottles accounting for about 1.5 million tons. This plastic waste not only affects marine life but also humans, as we rely on the ocean for food, jobs, and enjoyment. By choosing eco-friendly alternatives to plastic products, such as reusable water bottles, bags, and straws, we can reduce the amount of plastic entering our oceans.

Reducing Water Usage

Conserving water is another way to help reduce ocean pollution. By using less water, we can prevent excess runoff and wastewater from flowing into the ocean. This can be achieved through simple habits such as turning off the tap when not in use, soaking dishes instead of rinsing them under running water, and only using the dishwasher or laundry machine when they are full.

Choosing Sustainable Seafood

The ocean is a massive food source for humans, providing around 15.7% of the animal protein consumed worldwide. However, overfishing has led to a reduction in some larger fish species, disrupting ocean food chains. By choosing sustainable seafood options and practicing "catch and release" fishing, we can help protect marine life and ensure a healthier ocean ecosystem.

Avoiding Harmful Ingredients

Some products contain harmful ingredients that can damage marine life and the ocean ecosystem, such as certain sunscreens and cosmetics containing microplastics or ingredients derived from endangered species. By being mindful of the ingredients in the products we buy and choosing ocean-friendly alternatives, we can reduce the impact of these harmful chemicals on marine life.

Reducing Carbon Footprint

Our constant burning of fossil fuels contributes to ocean acidification and climate change, which negatively affect marine life and ecosystems. By adopting more sustainable habits, such as using fuel-efficient vehicles, carpooling, or using renewable energy sources, we can reduce our carbon footprint and help mitigate the effects of climate change on the ocean and its inhabitants.

By making small changes in our daily lives and choosing eco-friendly products, we can collectively take significant steps towards reducing ocean pollution and creating a healthier environment for endangered species to thrive.

Reducing chemical pollution

Chemical pollution is the introduction of harmful contaminants into the ocean. It is one of the five drivers of biodiversity loss, and it affects marine ecosystems in a variety of ways.

Chemical pollution can be caused by pesticides, herbicides, fertilizers, detergents, oil, industrial chemicals, sewage, and more. These pollutants can be released into the ocean far upstream from coastlines, and they can have devastating effects on marine life. For example, excess nutrients from fertilizers can trigger massive blooms of algae that rob the water of oxygen, creating dead zones where few marine organisms can survive.

Chemical pollutants can also climb high into the food webs, increasing in concentration as they move up the chain. For example, the pesticide DDT has been known to place the bald eagle on the endangered species list.

PFAS, a chemical incorporated into many household products, accumulates in human and marine mammal blood. Even pharmaceuticals ingested by humans, but not fully processed by our bodies, end up in aquatic food webs.

• Encouraging recycling and reuse can minimize plastic pollution.
• Dampening unnecessary lights at night can limit light pollution.
• Encouraging responsible chemical-use through consumer and political actions can protect the environment.

Improving oil spill management

Oil spills are a major threat to ocean life, and it is important to improve oil spill management to reduce the harm caused to endangered species. Here are some ways to improve oil spill management:

Preparedness and Training

Governments and the oil industry must have comprehensive preparedness plans and training in place to effectively manage oil spills. Regular spill response training exercises are crucial to ensure a quick and well-coordinated reaction, minimising environmental impact. Oil spill response can be tiered, with small spills handled locally, larger spills managed at a national level, and major spills requiring an international response.

Containment and Cleanup Techniques

When an oil spill occurs, the priority is to contain and skim the oil using booms (floating physical barriers) and skimmers (modified boats). In situ burning, or setting fire to the oil slick, and the use of chemical dispersants can also be employed. However, it is important to note that no solution completely removes the oil, and even with the best available methods, only about 40% of the spilled oil can be cleaned up by mechanical means.

Enhancing Natural Recovery

Restoring the affected area is crucial for the environment's recovery. This includes reintroduction of species impacted by the spill, erosion control, and changes in management practices, such as controlling fishing and hunting in the impacted areas. Additionally, enhancing natural processes that aid in the recovery can be beneficial.

Reducing Oil Consumption

While oil spills are detrimental and require effective management, it is also important to focus on reducing oil consumption and transitioning to more sustainable energy sources. By reducing our reliance on oil, we can decrease the likelihood of oil spills and minimise their impact on endangered species and the environment.

Frequently asked questions