Bronte Wells
Plastic pollution in the ocean is a pressing issue, with an estimated one to two million metric tons of plastic entering our oceans annually. The primary source of this pollution is land-based, with rivers being the main conduit for plastic waste to enter the ocean. Wind and rainwater carry plastic waste from landfills, littered parks, beaches, and streets into streams, drains, and rivers, which then transport the plastic to the sea. While rivers are the main source of ocean plastic pollution, marine sources such as fishing nets, lines, ropes, and abandoned vessels also contribute significantly. The impact of plastic pollution on marine ecosystems and wildlife is severe, and addressing this issue requires a combination of improved waste management practices, particularly in middle-income countries, and reduced plastic consumption and littering.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Sources of ocean plastic pollution | Land-based sources (70-80%) and marine sources (20-30%) |
| Land-based sources | Plastic transported from land to sea via rivers, coastlines, wind, rainwater runoff, and drains |
| Rivers | The Pasig River in the Philippines accounts for 6.4% of global river plastics |
| Marine sources | Fishing nets, lines, ropes, abandoned vessels, and other fishing gear |
| Regions | Asia (86%), Africa (8%), South America (5.5%), North America (4.5%), Europe and Oceania (<1%) |
| Countries | Philippines (36%), India, Malaysia, China, Indonesia, Myanmar, Vietnam, Bangladesh, Thailand |
| Waste management | Poor waste management in low-to-middle-income countries contributes significantly to ocean plastic pollution |
| Recycling | Only 9% of plastic is recycled globally |
| Production | Annual plastic production has increased nearly 230-fold in the last 70 years |
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What You'll Learn
Plastic waste mismanagement
Firstly, low-to-middle-income countries often have higher rates of mismanaged plastic waste due to inadequate waste management infrastructure. This is particularly evident in middle-income countries, specifically across Asia, which contribute significantly to ocean plastic pollution. Asia, being the most populous region, with countries like the Philippines, India, and Malaysia, has a high proportion of emitting rivers. The Pasig River in the Philippines alone contributes 6.4% of global river plastics.
Secondly, the increase in plastic production exacerbates the problem. Despite recycling efforts, only 9% of plastic waste is recycled globally, and half of the plastic waste still ends up in landfills. Without intervention, annual mismanaged plastic waste is projected to nearly double by 2050.
To address this issue, a combination of policies and interventions can be effective. Implementing policies such as capping new plastic production, mandating recycling, reducing single-use plastics, and investing in waste management infrastructure can significantly reduce mismanaged plastic waste. For example, the United Nations plastic pollution treaty presents an opportunity to shape these outcomes and reduce the negative environmental impact of plastic production and pollution.
Additionally, improving waste management strategies is crucial, especially in poorer countries where most ocean plastic originates. Domestic policies and foreign investments in waste management infrastructure can play a significant role in reducing plastic pollution. By focusing on both policy interventions and waste management improvements, we can effectively tackle the issue of plastic waste mismanagement and its contribution to ocean plastic pollution.
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Rivers
While there are hundreds of thousands of river outlets through which plastics reach the oceans, it is believed that most of the plastic comes from only a few of the world's rivers. One study estimated that the top ten rivers were responsible for 50% to 60% of plastic emissions in oceans, while another study estimated that figure to be more than 90%. The Pasig River in the Philippines alone accounts for 6.4% of global river plastics.
The probability that a river will contribute to ocean plastic pollution depends on various factors such as the location and length of river systems, proximity to coastlines, terrain, and precipitation patterns. Rivers in Asia, particularly in the Philippines, India, and Malaysia, are among the largest emitters of plastic pollution. This is due to a combination of factors, including population density, poor waste management practices, and proximity to the ocean.
To tackle plastic pollution in oceans, it is crucial to focus on preventing plastic from entering rivers and improving waste management practices, especially in middle-income countries. By understanding which rivers contribute the most plastic pollution and addressing the underlying causes, targeted mitigation efforts can be implemented to reduce the impact on marine ecosystems and wildlife.
During storms and heavy rain events, plastic emissions can increase significantly as trash is washed into waterways. While not all plastic in a river will end up in the ocean, the closer the river is to the ocean, the higher the chances of plastic reaching it. This makes coastal cities in middle-income countries hotspots for plastic emissions.
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Fishing gear
While rivers are the main source of ocean plastic pollution, fishing gear is another significant contributor. The Great Pacific Garbage Patch (GPGP), for example, is composed largely of fishing-related plastic waste, with 75% to 86% of all plastic waste in the GPGP coming from offshore fishing activities. This includes items such as nets, lines, ropes, and abandoned vessels.
The global demand for seafood contributes to the problem of ghost gear. As the demand for seafood increases, large-scale fishing operations expand, resulting in more ghost gear being left behind. The phenomenon of "ghost fishing" occurs when abandoned gear continues to catch fish, entangling and suffocating many species. According to the WWF, fishing waste threatens 66% of marine animals, including all sea turtle species and 50% of seabirds.
Intentional discarding of fishing gear, including from illegal, unregulated, and unreported (IUU) fishing, also contributes significantly to the problem. Vessels conducting IUU fishing often dispose of their gear to avoid detection, destroy evidence, and gain port access.
To address the issue of ghost gear, stakeholders in the fishing and aquaculture industries must include aquatic animal welfare practices in their policies and strategies. This includes considering the welfare of individual animals and implementing recommendations from organizations like the Aquatic Animal Alliance. Additionally, organizations like The Ocean Cleanup are developing technologies to remove plastic waste, including fishing gear, from the oceans.
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Land-based sources
The majority of ocean plastic pollution comes from land-based sources, with around 70% to 80% of plastic pollution being transported from land to the sea via rivers, coastlines, and drains.
Rivers
The main source of ocean plastic pollution is rivers. Plastic waste is carried into rivers by wind and rainwater runoff, and the rivers then transport the plastic to the oceans. Many smaller rivers play a bigger role than previously thought, and most of the world's largest emitting rivers are in Asia, with some also in East Africa and the Caribbean. The Pasig River in the Philippines alone accounts for 6.4% of global river plastics.
Coastlines
Litter in parks, beaches, or along the storm drains lining coastlines can be carried into the ocean by wind and rainwater runoff. Countries with a smaller geographical area, longer coastlines, high rainfall, and poor waste management systems are more likely to wash plastics into the sea. For example, the Philippines, an archipelago of over 7,000 islands with a 36,289-kilometer coastline, is estimated to emit 35% of the ocean's plastic.
Drains
Drains are another pathway for plastic to enter the ocean. Many products that are flushed down toilets, such as wet wipes, cotton buds, and sanitary products, end up in the ocean. Microfibers released from synthetic clothing during washing are also too small to be filtered out by wastewater plants and eventually enter the ocean.
Mismanaged Waste
Mismanaged waste, or waste that is not recycled, incinerated, or stored in sealed landfills, is another significant land-based source of ocean plastic pollution. This tends to be much higher in low-to-middle-income countries with poorer waste management infrastructure. Most plastic flowing into the ocean today comes from middle-income countries, particularly in Asia.
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Lower-income countries
While higher-income countries tend to produce more plastic waste per person, low-to-middle-income countries tend to have poorer waste management infrastructure, leading to higher levels of mismanaged waste. This mismanaged waste often ends up in the ocean, contributing significantly to ocean plastic pollution.
In lower-income countries, the lack of proper waste management systems can result in plastic waste being disposed of improperly or left uncollected. This waste can then be carried by rivers or winds into the ocean, becoming a source of ocean plastic pollution. For example, the Citarum River in Indonesia, one of the world's most polluted rivers, contributes significantly to the country's ocean plastic crisis. Indonesia's poor waste management infrastructure and overreliance on plastic products exacerbate the issue.
Another factor contributing to ocean plastic pollution in lower-income countries is the prevalence of single-use plastics and an overreliance on plastic products. In some cultures, such as Japan, an obsession with hygiene leads to excessive use of plastic for wrapping and packaging food items. Additionally, countries with large populations, like India, can struggle to manage their plastic waste effectively, leading to improper disposal and ocean pollution.
It is worth noting that accumulated stocks of plastics in the ocean show that higher-income countries across Europe and North America have played a larger role in historical ocean plastic pollution. However, due to their more developed waste management systems, they are now better able to process plastic waste safely.
To address ocean plastic pollution in lower-income countries, it is crucial to improve waste management practices and infrastructure. This includes investing in sustainable solutions, innovative recycling initiatives, and proper disposal methods. By tackling these systemic issues, lower-income countries can significantly reduce their contribution to ocean plastic pollution.
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Frequently asked questions
Most plastic in the ocean comes from land-based sources, with 70% to 80% transported from land to sea via rivers or coasts.
Most of the world's largest emitting rivers are in Asia, specifically in the Philippines, India, and Malaysia.
Commonly found plastic pollution in rivers includes items such as cigarette butts, food wrappers, beverage bottles, straws, cups, plates, bottle caps, and single-use bags.
The second major source of ocean plastic pollution is fishing gear, with abandoned fishing nets making up a large chunk of this waste.
It is estimated that 8 million metric tons of plastic entered the ocean in 2010, and approximately 11 million tons of plastic enter the ocean every year.
