Posted: November 29th, 2023

Ocean Plastics and Marine Pollution

Ocean Plastics and Marine Pollution

Plastic is one of the most versatile and durable materials ever invented by humans. However, its widespread use and disposal have also created a global environmental problem that threatens the health and well-being of marine life, ecosystems and humans. Plastic pollution in the ocean is a type of marine pollution by plastics, ranging in size from large original material such as bottles and bags, down to microplastics formed from the fragmentation of plastic material (Wikipedia, 2023). In this blog post, we will explore the causes, consequences and solutions of ocean plastics and marine pollution.

## Causes of Ocean Plastics and Marine Pollution

According to the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), over 400 million tons of plastic are produced every year for use in a wide variety of applications. At least 14 million tons of plastic end up in the ocean every year, making up 80% of all marine debris found from surface waters to deep-sea sediments (IUCN, 2021). The main sources of plastic debris found in the ocean are land-based, coming from urban and stormwater runoff, sewer overflows, littering, inadequate waste disposal and management, industrial activities, tyre abrasion, construction and illegal dumping. Ocean-based plastic pollution originates primarily from the fishing industry, nautical activities and aquaculture (IUCN, 2021).

Many countries lack the infrastructure to prevent plastic pollution such as: sanitary landfills; incineration facilities; recycling capacity and circular economy infrastructure; proper management and disposal of waste systems. This leads to ‘plastic leakage’ into rivers and the ocean. The legal and illegal global trade of plastic waste may also damage ecosystems, where waste management systems are not sufficient to contain plastic waste (IUCN, 2021).

Under the influence of solar UV radiation, wind, currents and other natural factors, plastic breaks down into small particles called microplastics (particles smaller than 5 mm) or nanoplastics (particles smaller than 100 nm). The small size makes them easy for marine life to ingest accidentally (UNESCO, 2022).

## Consequences of Ocean Plastics and Marine Pollution

Plastic pollution in the ocean has a direct and deadly effect on wildlife. Thousands of seabirds and sea turtles, seals and other marine mammals are killed each year after ingesting plastic or getting entangled in it (Biological Diversity, 2022). Plastic ingestion can cause internal injuries, starvation, suffocation and poisoning. Plastic entanglement can cause drowning, strangulation, infection and reduced mobility. Plastic debris can also damage coral reefs, which are home to more than 25% of marine life (UNESCO, 2022).

Plastic pollution also threatens food safety and quality, human health and coastal tourism. Plastic debris can accumulate persistent organic pollutants (POPs), heavy metals and other toxins that can be transferred to marine organisms and humans through the food chain. Plastic ingestion can cause gastrointestinal disorders, liver damage and hormonal disruption in humans. Plastic debris can also reduce the aesthetic value of beaches and coastal areas, affecting tourism revenues and local livelihoods (IUCN, 2021).

Plastic pollution also contributes to climate change. Plastic production and incineration emit greenhouse gases that contribute to global warming. Plastic degradation in the ocean releases carbon dioxide that acidifies seawater, affecting marine life and ecosystems. Plastic debris can also reduce the ocean’s capacity to absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, which is essential for regulating the global climate (UNESCO, 2022).

## Solutions for Ocean Plastics and Marine Pollution

There is an urgent need to explore new and existing legally binding agreements to address marine plastic pollution. The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) has proposed a global treaty on plastic pollution that would set targets for reducing plastic production and consumption, enhancing waste management and recycling systems, promoting circular economy models and innovation, strengthening monitoring and reporting mechanisms, providing financial and technical support to developing countries and enhancing public awareness and education (UNEP, 2022).

However, legal action alone is not enough to solve the problem. There is also a need for individual and collective action from governments, businesses, civil society organizations and consumers. Some of the actions that can be taken include:

– Reducing the use of single-use plastics such as shopping bags, cups and straws
– Reusing or repairing plastic items instead of discarding them
– Recycling or composting plastic waste properly
– Supporting or participating in beach clean-ups or citizen science initiatives
– Choosing products that are made from recycled or biodegradable materials
– Avoiding products that contain microplastics such as cosmetics or detergents
– Educating oneself and others about the impacts of plastic pollution
– Advocating for policies and practices that prevent plastic pollution

## Conclusion

Plastic pollution in the ocean is a serious and complex issue that requires urgent and coordinated action from all stakeholders. Plastic pollution affects not only marine life and ecosystems, but also human health, food security, economic development and climate stability. By reducing our plastic footprint, we can protect our ocean and our planet for ourselves and future generations.

## Bibliography

– Biological Diversity (2022). Ocean Plastics Pollution. Retrieved from https://www.biologicaldiversity.org/campaigns/ocean_plastics/
– IUCN (2021). Marine plastic pollution. Retrieved from https://www.iucn.org/resources/issues-brief/marine-plastic-pollution
– UNESCO (2022). Plastic pollution in the ocean: data, facts, consequences. Retrieved from https://oceanliteracy.unesco.org/plastic-pollution-ocean/
– UNEP (2022). Towards a global treaty on plastic pollution. Retrieved from https://www.unep.org/resources/report/towards-global-treaty-plastic-pollution
– Wikipedia (2023). Marine pollution. Retrieved from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Marine_pollution