Brian Barton
Marine debris, including plastic, is the most common ocean pollutant. Plastic accounts for 80% of all marine debris, with at least 14 million tons of plastic ending up in the ocean each year. The majority of plastic in the ocean comes from land-based sources, with 70-80% transported from land to sea via rivers or coastlines. The remaining 20-30% comes from marine sources such as fishing nets, lines, ropes, and abandoned vessels. Rivers are a significant source of plastic waste in the oceans, with 1000 rivers responsible for nearly 80% of global annual riverine plastic emissions. Countries with smaller land areas, longer coastlines, high rainfall, and poor waste management systems are more likely to contribute to ocean plastic pollution. Asia is the world's most populous region, and the top emitting rivers are found in the Philippines, India, and Malaysia, contributing to 81% of ocean plastics.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Main Type of Ocean Pollution | Plastic |
| Percentage of Marine Debris that is Plastic | 80% |
| Tons of Plastic in the Ocean Each Year | 14 million tons |
| Percentage of Plastic Entering the Ocean from Land | 70% to 80% |
| Percentage of Plastic Entering the Ocean from Marine Sources | 20% to 30% |
| Percentage of Global Riverine Plastic Emissions by 1000 Rivers | 80% |
| Percentage of Global Riverine Plastic Emissions by 30,000 Rivers | 20% |
| Top Polluting Items in the Ocean | Plastic bags, bottles, food containers, cutlery, wrappers, synthetic rope, fishing items |
| Region with the Highest Percentage of Ocean Plastic Emissions | Asia (81%) |
| Country with the Highest Percentage of Ocean Plastic Emissions | Philippines (36%) |
| Other Regions with High Ocean Plastic Emissions | Africa (8%), South America (5.5%), North America (4.5%), Europe and Oceania (<1%) |
| Common Sources of Nonpoint Source Pollution | Septic tanks, vehicles, farms, livestock ranches, timber harvest areas |
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Plastic pollution
The primary sources of plastic pollution in the ocean are land-based, with 70-80% of plastic transported from land to sea via rivers or coastlines. Rivers are a major contributor, with an estimated 1000 rivers responsible for nearly 80% of global annual riverine plastic emissions, ranging from 0.8 to 2.7 million metric tons per year. The remaining 20-30% of plastic in the oceans comes from marine sources, such as fishing nets, lines, ropes, and abandoned vessels.
The impact of plastic pollution on marine life is devastating, with at least 267 species worldwide affected, including sea turtles, seabirds, and marine mammals. Plastic debris can cause injuries and fatalities through ingestion, starvation, suffocation, infection, drowning, and entanglement. For example, "ghost nets," or abandoned fishing nets, can entangle marine creatures, leading to severe consequences, including death. Plastic pollution also affects marine life through the ingestion of microplastics, which are formed from the breakdown of larger plastic materials. These microplastics can enter the ocean food chain, with jellyfish consuming them and larger fish ingesting the contaminated jellyfish.
Additionally, plastic debris in the ocean accumulates pollutants and transports them through ocean currents. These plastics are then ingested by marine life, introducing pollutants into their bodies. Research has shown that fish are ingesting plastic fragments, with 35% of fish caught during a 2008 Pacific Gyre voyage found to contain plastic pieces.
To address plastic pollution, a multifaceted approach is necessary. This includes reducing the use of single-use plastics, improving recycling practices, and implementing measures to prevent plastic from entering rivers and oceans. By tackling the issue at its source and promoting sustainable practices, we can help mitigate the impact of plastic pollution on our oceans and the diverse life they support.
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Fertilizer runoff
Agricultural practices are a major source of fertilizer runoff. Nitrogen-based fertilizers, widely used since World War II, have played a crucial role in the agricultural revolution, enabling the planet to sustain its growing population. However, these fertilizers are often applied in excess of what crops require, and the surplus is carried by rainwater into nearby streams, creeks, and rivers, and eventually, the ocean. Climate change is expected to exacerbate this issue, as heavier rains caused by rising temperatures will likely increase agricultural runoff, potentially boosting nitrogen runoff in the United States by up to 20% by the end of the century.
Urban areas also contribute to fertilizer runoff. Lawn and garden fertilizers, as well as pet and wildlife waste, can contain high levels of nutrients. During heavy rainfall, these nutrients are washed into nearby waterways, leading to eutrophication and the subsequent depletion of oxygen levels in the water. This phenomenon has been observed in various regions, including the Chesapeake Bay, where excessive nutrient runoff has resulted in severe algal growth, hindering the growth of other aquatic plants like seagrasses.
The Mississippi River Basin, the nation's largest watershed, is a notable example of fertilizer runoff. Geographer Simon Donner and atmospheric scientist Christopher Kucharik predict that nitrogen pollution from this watershed will increase significantly if corn kernels continue to be a primary source of ethanol fuel. This will make it extremely challenging to reduce the vast dead zone at the Mississippi's outlet into the Gulf of Mexico, which is estimated to be as large as New Jersey.
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Nonpoint sources
Nonpoint source pollution is one of the most common types of ocean pollution. It occurs as a result of runoff and can come from many sources, such as septic tanks, vehicles, farms, livestock ranches, and timber harvest areas. Nonpoint source pollution can make rivers and oceans unsafe for both humans and wildlife. For example, dirt from fields or construction sites can run off into waterways, harming fish and wildlife habitats. In some cases, this pollution is so severe that beaches have to be closed after rainstorms.
The impact of nonpoint source pollution is not limited to a single location but can spread over large areas. More than one-third of the shellfish-growing waters in the United States are adversely affected by coastal pollution. The cost of correcting the harmful effects of nonpoint source pollution is substantial, with millions of dollars spent annually to restore and protect affected areas.
NOAA, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, plays a crucial role in addressing nonpoint source pollution. They work with various agencies, including the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the Department of Agriculture, to develop strategies for controlling this type of pollution. NOAA's Coastal Zone Management Program is specifically designed to create nonpoint source pollution control plans for participating coastal states. When issues arise, NOAA scientists help identify the exact causes and work towards finding solutions.
To effectively tackle nonpoint source pollution, it is essential to understand the factors contributing to it. These factors can include proximity to populations, distance to the ocean, terrain slope, and types of land use. By addressing these factors and implementing better waste management practices, we can make significant strides in reducing nonpoint source pollution and its detrimental effects on our oceans and marine life.
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Marine debris
The majority of pollutants that make their way into the ocean come from human activities along the coastlines and far inland. One of the biggest sources of pollution is nonpoint source pollution, which occurs as a result of runoff from septic tanks, vehicles, farms, livestock ranches, and timber harvest areas. Pollution that comes from a single source, like an oil or chemical spill, is known as point source pollution. Point source pollution events occur less frequently but can have large impacts.
Anything man-made and solid can become marine debris once lost or littered in aquatic environments. Some of the most common and harmful types of marine debris include plastics, such as cigarette butts, plastic bags, food wrappers, bottle caps, balloons, lighters, and derelict fishing gear and abandoned vessels. It is believed that at least 8 million tons of plastic end up in our oceans every year, and make up 80 percent of all marine debris from surface waters to deep-sea sediments.
The NOAA Marine Debris Program supports community-based marine debris removal projects across the United States. Since 2006, the program has supported over 340 marine debris removal projects and removed more than 40,000 metric tons of marine debris from coasts and oceans.
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Oil spills
The effects of oil spills extend beyond ecological harm. Tourism and commerce may be severely impacted, especially if beaches and populated shorelines are affected. Power plants and other utilities that rely on or discharge into seawater may experience disruptions. The economic costs of cleaning up and restoring areas affected by oil spills can be substantial, with the responsible parties being held accountable for these expenses under the Oil Pollution Act of 1990.
The spatial and temporal impacts of oil spills vary, ranging from tens of square meters to thousands of square kilometers in size and lasting from days to years or even decades. The cumulative effects of multiple small spills and chronic pollution can be more detrimental to ecosystems than rare large spills.
While advances have been made in oil spill science and cleanup technologies, such as the development of reusable wood sponges, oil spills continue to pose a significant threat to the health and sustainability of our oceans.
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Frequently asked questions
Plastic is the most common pollutant in the ocean, making up 80% of all marine debris.
Most plastic in the ocean comes from land-based sources, with 70-80% transported from land to sea via rivers, coastlines, and poor waste management.
Asia is the biggest contributor, with 81% of ocean plastics emitted from the region. The Philippines, India, Malaysia, China, and Indonesia are among the top emitters.
Other sources of ocean pollution include fertilizer runoff, nonpoint sources such as farms and ranches, light, noise, industrial chemicals, and oil spills.
Marine debris, such as plastic bags, bottles, and derelict fishing gear, can harm or kill marine animals through ingestion or entanglement. It also damages habitats, interferes with navigation, and poses a threat to human health.
