Greta Jimenez
Marine pollution is a pressing environmental issue that poses a serious threat to the health and well-being of our planet. Oceans make up 70% of the Earth's surface and play a critical role in the health of our ecosystem, including land-dwelling creatures like humans. Marine pollution is caused by a variety of factors, with over 80% of it originating from land-based human activities. One of the biggest sources is runoff pollution, where contaminants are carried from the land into the ocean by rain or snow. Nonpoint source pollution, such as that from individual cars, boats, farms, and construction sites, is another major contributor, as it accumulates in the ocean and is difficult to pinpoint. In addition, plastic pollution, sewage, fertilisers, toxic chemicals, and noise from shipping and drilling all negatively impact marine life and ecosystems. The consequences of marine pollution are far-reaching, affecting marine life, human health, fisheries, tourism, and the environment as a whole.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Percentage of marine pollution caused by land-based activities | 80% |
| Main sources of marine pollution | Nonpoint source pollution, runoff, sewage, plastic, noise, mining, oil spills, carbon dioxide, toxic chemicals, fertilisers, discarded fishing nets, stormwater discharge, natural disasters, invasive species, nutrient pollution, eutrophication, algal blooms, dead zones |
| Specific examples of nonpoint source pollution | Cars, boats, farms, construction sites, septic tanks, vehicles, timber harvest areas, livestock ranches |
| Specific examples of marine debris | Abandoned vessels, derelict vessels, architectural detritus, domestic appliances, plastic detergent bottles, crates, buoys, combs, water bottles, discarded fishing nets |
| Specific examples of toxic chemicals | Mercury, PFAS, carbon dioxide, nitrogen, phosphorus, antifoulants, pesticides, pharmaceuticals, personal care products |
| Specific examples of invasive species | Zebra mussels, jellyfish |
| Specific examples of nutrients causing eutrophication and algal blooms | Nitrogen, phosphorus, nitrates, phosphates |
| Specific examples of pollutants causing dead zones | Excess oxygen-depleting chemicals, nitrogen, phosphorus |
| Specific examples of affected marine life | Zooplankton, invertebrates, fish, turtles, birds, marine mammals, coral reefs, plankton, phytoplankton, zooplankton, swordfish, sea animals, seabirds, marine reptiles |
What You'll Learn
Nonpoint source pollution
The impact of nonpoint source pollution extends beyond the environment and can have economic and social repercussions. For instance, pollution that affects the beauty and health of coastal lands and waters can lead to financial losses in industries such as tourism and recreational fishing, which contribute significantly to the economy. High population densities along coastal regions can further exacerbate the stress on the environment through nonpoint source pollution.
To address nonpoint source pollution, various programs and initiatives have been developed. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) is actively involved in tackling this issue. They assist in creating nonpoint source pollution control plans for participating coastal states and provide educational resources and tutorials to raise awareness about this complex problem. Additionally, the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has developed fact sheets and programs to address nonpoint source pollution, including the Nonpoint Source Management Program and initiatives targeting agricultural practices.
While nonpoint source pollution is a pressing issue, ongoing efforts by organizations and governments are working towards mitigating its impact on the marine environment and human health. These collaborative actions are essential to protect and restore the health of our oceans and the ecosystems they support.
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Plastic pollution
The majority of plastic pollution is generated by single-use products such as bottles, caps, cigarettes, shopping bags, cups, and straws. These items are often improperly discarded, leading to environmental pollution and harm. Plastic pollution sources are predominantly land-based, arising from urban and stormwater runoff, littering, industrial activities, tyre abrasion, construction, and agriculture. In the marine environment, plastic pollution primarily originates from land runoff but also includes paint shed from shipping and discarded fishing gear.
The durability of plastic is a critical factor in the persistence of plastic pollution. According to the EPA, "every bit of plastic ever made still exists." Plastic pollution is widespread in the oceans, with all five of the Earth's major ocean gyres, particularly the Great Pacific Garbage Patch, inundated with plastic debris. The ingestion of plastic by marine animals, such as birds, whales, fish, and turtles, leads to internal injuries, starvation, and death. It is estimated that half of the sea turtles worldwide have ingested plastic, and hundreds of thousands of seabirds ingest plastic annually.
Microplastics, particles smaller than 5 mm in width, are a significant component of marine plastic pollution. They are generated from sources like vehicle tyres, textiles, and liquid soaps, and they mimic fish eggs and other small organisms, making them highly consumable by marine life. Once microplastics enter the ocean, they are incredibly challenging to filter out, becoming a permanent feature of the ecosystem.
Addressing plastic pollution requires systemic change, with governments and industries taking the lead. Actions such as reducing plastic production, phasing out harmful products and chemicals, implementing strong national plans, and promoting recycling and sustainable practices are crucial to tackling this global issue.
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Oil spills
The cleanup process after an oil spill is challenging, and complete removal of the spilled oil is often impossible. Scientists must carefully consider the potential for additional harm during cleanup operations. The Oil Pollution Act of 1990 established that those responsible for oil spills can be held accountable for the costs of cleanup and restoration. This process, known as Natural Resource Damage Assessment (NRDA), involves federal, state, and tribal agencies working together with the responsible party to select and fund restoration projects.
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Invasive species
The introduction of invasive species to marine environments is a significant contributor to marine pollution, posing a severe threat to marine biodiversity and ecosystems. These invasive species are often transported and introduced by human activities, either deliberately or accidentally, to new geographic areas outside their native range. According to the World Register of Introduced Marine Species, there are approximately 1,711 introduced marine species globally, with the potential for many more to become invasive.
One prominent example of an invasive species is the European crab, which has been inadvertently transported in ballast water and sold as fish bait worldwide. This crab has established populations on both US coasts and in several other regions. Its introduction to the US in the 1950s has cost the American fishing industry millions of dollars due to its impact on the commercial shellfish industry.
Another example is Undaria pinnatifida, also known as Asian kelp or wakame, which has colonized many harbors along the California coastline, including the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary. This invasive species has the potential to negatively affect native species through predation and competition for resources, ultimately leading to a decline in biodiversity and possible economic repercussions.
The increase in invasive species is attributed to various factors, including the growth of marine ornamental trade, rapid globalisation, and the intensification of trade, travel, migration, and pollution. Shipping is a significant vector for the spread of invasive species, as they can be transported in ballast water and through the biofouling of ship hulls.
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Noise pollution
Marine mammals, such as whales, dolphins, and porpoises, are highly dependent on sound for critical activities like breeding, foraging, maintaining social structures, and navigating their environment. Noise pollution interferes with these key life functions, often with detrimental consequences. For instance, noise from cargo ships can reach up to 190 decibels, much louder than a plane taking off, and this excessive noise can mask the natural vocalizations of marine animals, making it difficult for them to communicate and coordinate.
The effects of noise pollution extend beyond communication disruptions. In some cases, it can lead to hearing loss and even death. For example, loud noises from naval sonar can panic whales and dolphins, causing them to surface too quickly, which can result in decompression sickness or stranding. Additionally, noise pollution can alter the feeding behaviour of marine mammals, driving them away from important feeding grounds or forcing them to change their migration routes.
The complex nature of marine ecosystems means that the impacts of noise pollution on one species can have indirect effects on others. For instance, if a whale strands on a beach due to noise pollution, seafloor-dwelling animals that rely on the whale's body as a food source will lose access to this vital resource. This cascading effect highlights the far-reaching consequences of noise pollution in marine environments.
To address the issue of noise pollution, there have been calls for policies to reduce propeller noise from ships and mitigate the sounds of sonar equipment, seismic air guns, pile driving, and construction. Developing quieter technologies is also crucial to reducing noise pollution and improving the ocean soundscape, ultimately enabling the recovery of marine life.
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Frequently asked questions
Marine pollution is mainly caused by human activities, with over 80% of it originating from land-based sources. This includes nonpoint source pollution, which comes from small sources like individual cars, boats, farms, and construction sites, and point source pollution, which comes from a single source like an oil or chemical spill. Other human-caused sources of marine pollution include deep-sea mining, plastic pollution, sewage, and noise pollution from shipping and drilling.
Runoff is one of the major sources of marine pollution. It occurs when pollutants from the land, such as oils, fertilizers, and sewage, are carried by rainwater or snowmelt into sewer and drain systems that flow into the ocean. This can also happen through surface runoff from farming, urban areas, and construction sites, which carries soil and particles laden with pollutants into rivers and other water bodies that eventually flow into the sea.
Marine pollution has severe negative impacts on the environment and ecosystems. It can cause oxygen depletion in the water, leading to the creation of "dead zones" where marine life struggles to survive. Pollutants can also be ingested by small organisms, accumulating in the food chain and leading to health issues in larger predators, including seafood consumed by humans. Marine debris, such as plastic and abandoned vessels, can entangle or be ingested by marine animals, damaging or killing hundreds of species and threatening their habitats. Additionally, toxic chemicals and invasive species can harm coral reefs and other marine life, disrupting the entire marine ecosystem.
