Brian Barton
Marine pollution is a pressing issue that threatens the health of our oceans and marine life. It is estimated that 80% of marine pollution comes from land-based sources, including runoff from farms, septic tanks, automobiles, and other nonpoint sources. This land-based pollution is carried by rivers and rainfall into the oceans, where it harms marine ecosystems and ultimately impacts human health through the food chain. With the growing production and consumption of plastics, the issue of marine litter has become particularly concerning. Addressing marine pollution requires improved waste management practices, regulatory actions, and community-led initiatives to reduce the amount of land-based pollution entering our oceans.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Percentage of marine pollution that comes from land | 80% |
| Percentage of marine pollution that comes from oceans | 20% |
| Percentage of marine pollution that comes from land (GESAMP, 1990) | 44% |
| Percentage of marine pollution that comes from the atmosphere | 33% |
| Percentage of marine pollution that comes from maritime transportation | 12% |
| Percentage of marine pollution that comes from ocean dumping | 10% |
| Percentage of marine pollution that comes from offshore production | 1% |
| Percentage of marine litter that is plastic | 85% |
| Number of plastic bags used every year | 500 billion |
| Dump truckloads of plastic dumped into the ocean every minute | 1 |
| Percentage of plastic waste that is plastic packaging and small plastic items | 80% |
| Percentage of assessed marine areas that are polluted | 75% |
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What You'll Learn
Land-based sources account for 80% of marine litter
Marine litter is a pressing issue, with beach and marine areas displaying worrying signs of pollution. It is estimated that 80% of marine pollution comes from land-based sources, while 20% comes from ocean-based sources. This land-based pollution includes runoff from plowed fields, farms, septic tanks, automobiles, and other nonpoint sources.
Nonpoint source pollution, or runoff, is a significant contributor to marine litter. It originates from various sources such as sewers, rain drains, and agriculture. During rainstorms, exposed soil from plowed fields can erode, carrying agricultural fertilizers and pesticides into waterways and, eventually, the ocean. This type of pollution can harm fish and wildlife habitats and contribute to the creation of ''dead zones'' with extremely low oxygen levels that force marine life to leave or perish.
Another critical aspect of land-based marine pollution is plastic waste. Plastic pollution has reached such levels that it is now referred to as a pandemic. It is estimated that approximately 85% of marine litter is plastic. This includes plastic packaging and small plastic items, which are prevalent on European beaches. The persistent nature of plastic means it can last for hundreds of years, and it is estimated that around 500 billion plastic bags are used annually, with a dump truckload of plastic entering the ocean every minute.
The sources of this plastic pollution are diverse. In addition to runoff from land, plastic waste enters the ocean through rivers. It is estimated that more than 90% of plastic in the sea comes from land-based sources, with a significant contribution from mismanaged waste in lower-income countries. This waste enters rivers and is carried to the sea, polluting the marine environment.
To address the issue of land-based marine pollution, a holistic understanding of the problem is necessary. This includes improving waste management practices, especially in developing countries, and reducing the use of plastics. Community-led waste management initiatives and funding for solid waste management can play a crucial role in tackling marine plastic pollution. Additionally, regulatory actions and international treaties can help curb the amount of pollution entering the marine environment.
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Plastic waste makes up 85% of marine litter
Marine litter is defined as 'persistent, synthetic or processed solid items or fragments discarded or abandoned'. It is estimated that 80% of marine pollution comes from land-based sources, with the remaining 20% coming from ocean-based sources. This land-based pollution includes nonpoint source pollution, which occurs as a result of runoff from sources like septic tanks, vehicles, farms, and construction sites.
Plastic packaging and small plastic items comprise 65% of marine litter, with half of the items found on European beaches being single-use plastics. These macroplastics, or larger plastic items, pollute the water and gradually break down into microplastics—smaller fragments less than 5mm in size. Microplastics can also be primary, designed specifically for products like cosmetics, or come from the weathering of larger waste items like synthetic textiles. An estimated 500,000 tonnes of microplastics are leaked from vehicle tyre erosion annually.
The issue of plastic pollution is not limited to the oceans but also extends to the global economy. The economic costs of marine plastic pollution, including impacts on tourism, fisheries, and clean-up efforts, were estimated to be at least USD 6-19 billion globally in 2018. Furthermore, plastic pollution poses risks to human health. Plastics ingested through seafood, drinks, or even common salt can lead to hormonal changes, developmental disorders, reproductive abnormalities, and cancer.
To address the plastic pollution crisis, a comprehensive assessment by the UN Environment Programme (UNEP) emphasizes the need for a drastic reduction in unnecessary and avoidable plastic use. The report calls for an accelerated transition from fossil fuels to renewable energies, the removal of subsidies, and a shift towards circular approaches to significantly reduce plastic waste. While economic growth and increased consumption contribute to the problem, it is crucial to decouple economic growth from raw material use and improve waste management practices to tackle marine litter effectively.
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Marine pollution is caused by nonpoint sources
Marine pollution is a pressing issue, with a significant portion of it originating from land-based sources. It is estimated that around 80% of marine pollution comes from land, highlighting the impact of human activities on our oceans. This land-based pollution primarily occurs through nonpoint sources, which contribute to the degradation of marine environments.
Nonpoint source pollution, also known as runoff, arises from a diverse range of sources that eventually converge in the ocean. These sources include septic tanks, automobiles, farms, and forests. When it rains, exposed soil from plowed land can erode, carrying agricultural fertilizers and pesticides with it. This runoff, along with pollutants from other nonpoint sources, flows into waterways and ultimately reaches the sea.
One of the significant contributors to nonpoint source pollution is plastic waste. Plastic pollution has reached pandemic proportions, with an estimated 500 billion plastic bags used and a dump truckload of plastic dumped into the ocean every minute. The persistent nature of plastic, with some items lasting up to 500 years, exacerbates the problem. Plastic packaging and small plastic items make up a significant portion of plastic waste found on European beaches.
Agricultural pollution is another critical nonpoint source of marine pollution. Large-scale animal farming operations, such as Tyson, have been implicated in creating "dead zones" in bodies of water. These dead zones are characterized by extremely low oxygen levels due to the presence of toxins from animal waste, which enter the water through rivers. The subsequent algae bloom further depletes oxygen, forcing marine life to leave or perish.
To address nonpoint source pollution, organizations like NOAA (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration) work with various agencies to develop strategies for monitoring, assessing, and limiting this type of pollution. Their Coastal Zone Management Program aims to create specialized nonpoint source pollution control plans for participating coastal states. Additionally, community-led waste management initiatives and improved waste collection and management practices can play a crucial role in reducing plastic pollution that originates from land and ultimately ends up in our oceans.
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Marine litter is transported by rivers
Marine litter is a significant issue, with 75% of assessed marine areas suffering from pollution. It is estimated that 80% of marine pollution comes from land-based sources, and rivers are a key pathway for transporting this waste to the sea.
Rivers carry a large amount of plastic and other litter to the ocean. Studies have shown that 80% of solid beach litter originates from the nearest rivers. The river's flow rate, the presence of bottom currents, and the occurrence of submarine river extensions influence the transport of litter. For example, the non-tidal river Rhône deposits most of its litter far offshore due to its deep bed, while smaller rivers deposit litter closer to the coast. High river runoff after storms and heavy rainfall can also cause the deposition of litter further from the river mouth.
Plastics are the predominant item of riverine litter, due to their ubiquitous utilisation, buoyancy, and persistence. Other common items include wood, which is often deposited on coastal beaches, and agricultural fertilizers and pesticides from farmland.
The impact of plastic waste on marine life and human health is significant. Plastic can last up to 500 years and is prevalent on European beaches. While most plastic items are recycled, incinerated, or stored in waste facilities, mismanaged waste continues to pollute the seas.
To address this issue, it is essential to improve data gathering and analysis on land and in rivers to better understand and tackle the problem.
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Marine pollution is caused by ocean-based sources
While a large proportion of marine pollution comes from land-based sources, ocean-based sources are also responsible for a significant amount of pollution in the marine environment. It is important to recognise and address the impact of these ocean-based sources to effectively tackle marine pollution.
One significant ocean-based source of pollution is maritime transportation. Shipping activities contribute to marine pollution through the discharge of waste and pollutants into the ocean. This includes ballast water discharge, which can introduce invasive species and pathogens into marine ecosystems. In addition, maritime transportation is associated with oil spills and leaks, which have devastating consequences for marine life and the environment. Oil spills coat marine organisms, impairing their movement and ability to regulate body temperature, and can lead to the death of birds, mammals, and other wildlife.
Another ocean-based source of pollution is ocean dumping, which accounts for a notable percentage of marine pollution. This involves the disposal of waste and debris directly into the ocean, often in the form of garbage, sewage, and other solid waste. Ocean dumping has severe ecological consequences, including the entanglement and ingestion of debris by marine organisms, the creation of hypoxic or "dead" zones due to the decomposition of organic waste, and the release of toxic chemicals into the water.
Additionally, offshore production activities contribute to marine pollution. This includes the exploration and extraction of oil and gas resources from the seafloor, which can result in chemical and waste discharges, as well as noise pollution. The use of seismic airguns in the search for oil and gas deposits emits extremely loud blasts that travel great distances and disrupt the lives of marine animals, including dolphins and whales.
Furthermore, certain fishing practices, such as trawling, can have detrimental effects on the marine environment. Trawling involves dragging nets along the seafloor, which can damage habitats and ecosystems, particularly sensitive areas like coral reefs and seafloor ecosystems. Bycatch, or the accidental capture of non-target species, is also a significant issue, leading to the unnecessary death of marine organisms and disruption of marine food chains.
Lastly, plastic pollution in the ocean is a pressing issue that has achieved pandemic proportions. While much of the plastic originates from land-based sources, ocean-based sources also contribute to the problem. Plastic waste from maritime activities, such as fishing gear and vessel debris, adds to the growing amount of plastic in the ocean. The persistence of plastic, with some items lasting up to 500 years, means that ocean-based plastic pollution accumulates and poses an ongoing threat to marine life and ecosystems.
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Frequently asked questions
It is estimated that around 80% of marine pollution comes from land-based sources, with the remaining 20% coming from ocean-based sources.
Land-based sources of marine pollution include nonpoint source pollution, such as runoff from farms, septic tanks, automobiles, and construction sites. Other examples include plastic pollution, which accounts for approximately 85% of marine litter, and light pollution from artificial sources like boats and coastal cities.
Land-based pollution reaches the ocean through various pathways, including rivers, rainfall, and wind. For example, plastic waste and other forms of mismanaged waste are carried by rivers into the sea, contributing to the growing problem of marine pollution.
