Brian Barton
The world's oceans are being inundated with pollution, from plastic waste to carbon emissions. Oceans are the endpoint for much of the pollution we produce on land, and with 70% of the Earth's surface covered by oceans, the impact of this pollution is devastating. One of the biggest sources of ocean pollution is nonpoint source pollution, which occurs as a result of runoff from farms, ranches, vehicles, boats, and other sources. This type of pollution is difficult to address because it comes from many small sources. Plastic pollution is a significant issue, with an estimated 11 million tonnes of plastic entering the oceans each year, and it is estimated that there are now 15-51 trillion pieces of plastic in the world's oceans. Plastic waste is ingested by marine animals, who mistake it for food, and it has been found in the deepest ocean trenches. Other forms of ocean pollution include oil spills, agricultural runoff, and nutrient pollution, which creates dead zones in the water. Light pollution from coastal development also disrupts marine wildlife, impacting migration, reproduction, and feeding patterns. The effects of ocean pollution are far-reaching, and it is essential to address this crisis through improved waste management, recycling, and regulation.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Main Source of Ocean Pollution | Nonpoint source pollution |
| Percentage of Ocean Pollution from Nonpoint Sources | 60% in the US |
| Causes of Nonpoint Source Pollution | Excess fertilizers, herbicides, and insecticides from agricultural land, oil, grease, and toxic chemicals from urban runoff and energy production sites, bacteria and nutrients from livestock, pet waste, and faulty septic systems, sediment from poorly managed construction sites, crop and forest lands, and eroding stream banks, salt from irrigation practices, and acid drainage from abandoned mines |
| Plastic Pollution | 11 million tonnes of plastic enter the oceans each year |
| Percentage of Marine Debris that is Plastic | 80% |
| Number of Garbage Patches in the Ocean | 5 |
| Number of Dead Zones in the World | 415 |
| Largest Dead Zone | Arabian Sea, covering the Gulf of Oman, with an area of 165,000 square kilometers |
| Percentage of Marine Life in the Pacific Ocean that Consumes Plastic | 50% |
| Number of Seabird Species that have Ingested Plastic | 60%, predicted to increase to 99% by 2050 |
| Number of Plastic Items Removed by the Seabin Project | 4.7 million, including 2.3 million microplastics |
| Number of Oceans with Gyres | 5 |
| Ocean Absorbing Carbon Emissions from the Atmosphere | 25% |
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What You'll Learn
Plastic pollution
Plastic waste is a huge contributor to ocean pollution, making up about 80% of marine debris, according to the IUCN. It is estimated that there are 15-51 trillion pieces of plastic in the oceans, from the equator to the poles, the sea floor to the Arctic ice sheets. No area of the ocean is untouched, with plastic pollution affecting 40% of the world's ocean surfaces.
The plastic waste in the ocean comes from thousands of sources worldwide. The main source is rivers, which account for nearly 80% of riverine plastic emissions. The Great Pacific Garbage Patch, located between Hawaii and California, is the most polluted patch of ocean. It is estimated to be twice the size of Texas and contains 1.8 trillion pieces of plastic larger than 0.5mm. It is composed of mostly larger objects, with only 8% of its mass being microplastics. However, these larger objects are breaking down into smaller pieces over time, which are much harder to clean up.
Another major source of plastic in the Great Pacific Garbage Patch is fishing gear, with 80% of the plastic there coming from fishing activities at sea. Abandoned fishing nets and gear, such as buoys, crates and nets, make up much of the plastic in the ocean. Fishing gear can also shed microfibres, which can absorb harmful pollutants like pesticides and dyes, only to later release them into the ocean.
The impact of plastic pollution on wildlife is deadly. Marine animals can get entangled in plastic debris and often mistake plastic for food. Research indicates that half of sea turtles worldwide have ingested plastic, which can cause choking, internal injuries and starvation. Endangered wildlife, such as Hawaiian monk seals, are among the 700 species that eat and get caught in plastic litter. Seabirds are also affected, with plastic ingestion reducing the storage volume of their stomachs, causing starvation.
Efforts are being made to tackle the plastic pollution crisis. The Center for Biological Diversity has petitioned the US Environmental Protection Agency to regulate plastics as a pollutant under the Clean Water Act. The Seabin Project aims to remove plastic, oil and other pollutants from marinas, harbours and waterways using a specialised filtration device.
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Oil and grease
Oil pollution is one of the most visible forms of damage to the marine environment. It can harm sea creatures, ruin beaches, and make seafood unsafe to eat. Oil slicks can drift towards the coasts, killing seabirds and marine mammals. Oil spills can also have long-lasting effects on the environment, with restoration projects still ongoing years after the incident.
To combat oil and grease pollution, various measures have been implemented. The Oil Pollution Act of 1990 holds those responsible for oil spills accountable for cleanup and restoration costs. This has led to the recovery of billions of dollars to fund restoration projects. Technological advancements, such as oil separators on ships and the development of sea swell-independent oil skimmers, help contain and remove oil from the water.
While progress has been made, oil and grease pollution remains a significant issue. Millions of motor vehicles contribute to oil pollution daily, and oil extraction and transportation continue to pose risks. Oil pollution is challenging to address due to its diffuse sources and the need for coordinated responses. However, by improving waste management, deploying new technologies, and implementing contingency plans, we can work towards reducing the impact of oil and grease pollution on our oceans.
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Fertilizers, herbicides, and insecticides
The ocean is facing a multitude of threats from human activities, with plastic pollution being the most prevalent. However, fertilizers, herbicides, and insecticides are also significant contributors to ocean pollution, causing what is known as "nutrient pollution". These chemicals enter water sources through agricultural runoff, wastewater, and atmospheric deposition, leading to a depletion of oxygen and the creation of "dead zones" where marine life cannot survive.
Nonpoint source pollution from fertilizers, herbicides, and insecticides can have detrimental effects on aquatic ecosystems. As excess nutrients, primarily nitrogen and phosphorus, enter the water, they act as fertilizers, promoting excessive algae growth. This algae blocks sunlight and depletes oxygen levels in the water, causing aquatic plants to decay and creating "dead zones" where marine life cannot survive. There are currently 415 of these dead zones around the world, with the largest one located in the Arabian Sea, covering an area of 165,000 square kilometers.
Herbicides and insecticides, which fall under the broader category of pesticides, also pose a significant threat to marine life and ecosystems. Once these chemical pollutants are sprayed on land, they can be transported by water molecules into the ocean through the water cycle. Pesticides are designed to kill weeds, insects, and other pests, but they can also harm marine organisms and disrupt the natural food chain. For example, the insecticide DDT has caused diseases and killed birds that consume marine animals, even putting the bald eagle on the endangered species list in the United States.
To mitigate the harmful effects of fertilizers, herbicides, and insecticides on the ocean, alternative farming practices have been proposed. Biodynamic and organic farming methods, as well as field management techniques like "bocage," can help reduce the use of pesticides and prevent chemical runoff into water sources. Additionally, individuals can make conscious choices in their consumption habits by opting for natural and eco-friendly products for cleaning and gardening, which can help protect local water resources and soil quality. By combining sustainable agricultural practices with responsible consumer choices, we can work towards reducing the impact of fertilizers, herbicides, and insecticides on ocean health.
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Light pollution
One of the critical concerns regarding light pollution is its impact on the physiological behaviours of marine wildlife, particularly those in coastal regions. Artificial light disrupts the natural cycles of the moon, affecting the migration, reproduction, and feeding patterns of aquatic animals. For example, sea turtles have difficulty finding dark beaches for laying their eggs, and the lights from coastal cities confuse their hatchlings, leading them away from the ocean and towards exhaustion or predators. Similarly, clownfish eggs exposed to artificial light have shown a reduced ability to hatch, and those that do hatch tend to be smaller.
The problem of light pollution is expected to intensify as coastal cities continue to grow, with projections indicating that over one billion people will reside in coastal areas by 2060. The transition from yellow incandescent lights to white LEDs exacerbates the issue, as the latter emits more blue and green wavelengths that can penetrate deeper into the ocean.
Addressing light pollution requires implementing better lighting practices and establishing Dark Sky Reserves near sensitive marine habitats like coral reefs. Additionally, individuals can play a role by choosing less harmful light bulbs for their homes and communities, thereby reducing the impact of artificial light on marine life and ecosystems.
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Noise pollution
The impacts of noise pollution can extend beyond the directly affected species, as ecosystems in the ocean are interconnected. For instance, if a whale strands on a beach due to sudden loud noise, its body remains on land instead of sinking to the seafloor. This disrupts the food chain as seafloor-dwelling animals that rely on the whale's body for sustenance lose a crucial food source.
To mitigate noise pollution in the ocean, several actions can be taken. These include implementing policies to reduce propeller noise from ships, mitigating the sounds of sonar equipment, seismic air guns, pile driving, and construction, and developing quieter technologies. By addressing these issues, we can improve the ocean soundscape and potentially enable the recovery of some marine life.
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Frequently asked questions
Nonpoint source pollution is the biggest cause of ocean pollution. This occurs when rainfall or snowmelt moves across the ground, carrying pollutants from farms, ranches, septic tanks, cars, trucks, boats, and other sources into the ocean.
The main types of nonpoint source pollution include excess fertilizers, herbicides, and insecticides from agricultural land, oil and grease from vehicles and energy production, and sediment and waste from construction sites.
Nonpoint source pollution can have a number of harmful effects on the ocean. It can cause algae blooms, deplete oxygen levels, and create "dead zones" where marine life cannot survive. It can also make its way into the food chain, impacting both wildlife and humans.
