Human Impact: Ocean Plastic Pollution Sources

Plastic pollution in the ocean is a pressing global crisis that poses a direct threat to wildlife, human health, and economies. The majority of plastic pollution in the ocean is caused by littering, with only about 10% of plastic being recycled. Plastic is an incredibly durable material, taking hundreds of years to degrade, and as a result, it accumulates in huge subtropical oceanic areas called gyres, with the largest being the Great Pacific Garbage Patch. The biggest causes of ocean plastic pollution are land-based, with plastic flowing into the oceans through sewers and rivers, being blown towards the sea by the wind, or simply being discarded on the beach.

Poor waste management in many countries

Middle-income countries, particularly in Asia, are the primary sources of plastic emissions. These countries are characterized by increasing plastic consumption and inadequate waste management systems, which results in a higher risk of plastic leaking into the environment. Coastal cities in these countries are considered plastic emissions hotspots due to their proximity to rivers and oceans.

The Philippines, India, Malaysia, China, Indonesia, Myanmar, Brazil, Vietnam, Bangladesh, and Thailand are among the top ocean plastic contributors, with developing Asian nations being the main culprits. These countries often have smaller land areas, longer coastlines, higher rainfall, and inadequate waste management infrastructures, making them more susceptible to plastic waste ending up in the ocean.

The impact of poor waste management is exacerbated by the durability of plastic. Once plastic enters the ocean, it persists for long periods and does not degrade naturally. This durability, combined with the increasing consumption of plastic products, has led to a global crisis, with billions of pounds of plastic polluting our oceans and causing devastating effects on marine life and ecosystems.

To address this issue, it is crucial to improve waste management practices, especially in lower- and middle-income countries. This includes investing in better waste management systems, promoting recycling, and educating communities about the dangers of plastic pollution. By tackling the root cause of poor waste management, we can make significant strides in reducing the amount of plastic entering our oceans and protecting our fragile marine environments.

Lack of recycling

The consequences of insufficient recycling are dire. Plastic pollution in the ocean has devastating impacts on marine life and ecosystems. Marine animals, such as birds, whales, fish, and turtles, often mistake plastic waste for food, leading to ingestion, suffocation, and internal injuries. It is estimated that by 2050, plastic will outweigh all the fish in the sea, highlighting the urgency of the situation. Additionally, plastic pollution disrupts marine ecosystems, allowing invasive species to spread and thrive, further endangering native wildlife.

The issue of inadequate recycling is particularly prominent in middle-income countries, where plastic consumption is increasing rapidly. However, these countries often lack adequate waste management systems to handle the growing volume of plastic waste. As a result, plastic leaks into the ocean from various sources, including rivers, stormwater runoff, littering, and industrial activities. Coastal cities in these countries are identified as hotspots for plastic emissions, with rivers serving as a primary pathway for plastic to reach the ocean.

To address the lack of recycling and mitigate ocean plastic pollution, a multi-faceted approach is necessary. Firstly, there is a need to improve waste management systems and infrastructure globally, especially in middle-income and developing countries. This includes investing in recycling facilities, proper disposal methods, and waste collection systems. Additionally, reducing the use and production of plastic is crucial. Individuals can play a role by reducing their plastic consumption, supporting legislation aimed at curbing plastic production, and advocating for the regulation of plastics as a hazardous pollutant.

Furthermore, the design and usage of disposable packaging should be reconsidered, and the manufacturing of unnecessary single-use plastics should be reduced. By addressing the lack of recycling and implementing these strategies, we can make significant strides in combating ocean plastic pollution and protecting our marine environments and ecosystems.

Plastic's durability

Plastic pollution in the ocean is a pressing environmental issue, with plastic waste making up 80% of all marine pollution. The primary cause of this pollution is littering, with plastic waste ending up in waterways and eventually in the ocean due to improper waste management.

Plastics are renowned for their durability, which is one of their biggest assets as a material. However, this durability becomes a liability when plastic waste is mismanaged. When plastic is not recycled, incinerated, or kept in sealed landfills, it becomes an environmental pollutant. The durability of plastics means that once they enter the ocean, they will persist there for long periods, with some estimates suggesting plastic can take at least 400 years to break down.

The EPA reports that "every bit of plastic ever made still exists", and this is due to the durability of the material. Plastic does not biodegrade; instead, it breaks down into smaller and smaller pieces known as microplastics. These microplastics are spread throughout the water column and have been found in every corner of the globe, from Mount Everest to the Mariana Trench. They are difficult to clean up due to their small size, and their bioavailability increases, meaning they can impact a wide range of species, including humans.

The impact of plastic pollution on marine life and ecosystems is devastating. Marine animals ingest plastic or become entangled in it, leading to injuries, infections, and death. It is estimated that 60% of all seabird species have eaten plastic, and this number is predicted to increase to 99% by 2050. Plastic pollution also affects the reproduction of some species, such as oysters, which produce fewer eggs when exposed to plastic.

The durability of plastics means that once they enter the ocean, they are incredibly challenging to remove. Mechanical systems can be effective at picking up larger pieces of plastic from inland waters, but once plastics break down into microplastics, they are nearly impossible to recover. The persistence of plastic pollution in the ocean highlights the importance of proper waste management and the need to reduce plastic consumption to prevent further environmental damage.

Rivers and coastlines

Rivers are a major source of plastic waste in the oceans. A recent study estimates that more than a quarter of all plastic waste in the oceans could be coming from just 10 rivers, eight of them in Asia. These are the Yangtze, Yellow, Hai, Pearl, Amur, Mekong, Indus and Ganges Delta in Asia, and the Niger and Nile in Africa. The Yangtze alone dumps up to an estimated 1.5 million metric tons of plastic waste into the Yellow Sea.

Small urban rivers are among the most polluting. The Ocean Cleanup estimates that 1000 rivers are accountable for nearly 80% of global annual riverine plastic emissions, which range between 0.8 and 2.7 million metric tons per year. The remaining 20% of plastic emissions are distributed over 30,000 rivers.

Rivers carry trash over long distances and connect nearly all land surfaces with the oceans. This makes them a major battleground in the fight against sea pollution. Better waste collection and management practices in the most polluted regions would help stem the tide of plastic pollution, but raising public awareness is also crucial.

The Ocean Cleanup has developed Interceptor solutions, including the Interceptor, to help combat river plastic from entering the world's oceans. The Center for Biological Diversity is also tackling the problem on multiple fronts. They have petitioned the US Environmental Protection Agency to regulate plastics as a pollutant under the Clean Water Act and are pushing for plastic pollution to be treated as hazardous waste.

Industrial fishing

Analyses of the plastic debris in the NPGP have revealed that a large fraction is composed of fishing nets and ropes, with the majority of the remaining hard plastic objects and fragments also likely originating from industrial fishing activities. This is due to the high volume of plastic waste generated by the fishing industry, which includes discarded fishing gear, nets, and other plastic materials used in fishing operations.

The impact of industrial fishing on ocean plastic pollution is not limited to the NPGP. Studies have shown that the five industrialised fishing nations are responsible for the majority of floating plastics in the North Pacific subtropical gyre. This highlights the global reach and impact of the industry on the marine environment. The plastic waste generated by industrial fishing activities can have devastating consequences for marine life and ecosystems.

Fishing gear, such as nets and ropes, can entangle marine animals, leading to injuries and death. For example, the Mediterranean monk seal's second leading cause of death is fishing gear entanglement. Additionally, hard plastic debris from industrial fishing can be ingested by marine animals, causing internal injuries and death. The ingestion of plastic can also lead to the transfer of toxic contaminants to humans through the consumption of seafood.

The issue of plastic pollution in the ocean from industrial fishing is complex, and addressing it requires a systemic approach. While the fishing industry needs to improve transparency and cooperation between countries to regulate and monitor plastic waste generation, consumers can also play a role by supporting companies that use recycled materials and eliminate single-use plastics. By working together, we can reduce the impact of industrial fishing on ocean plastic pollution and protect our marine environments and wildlife.

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