MARINE PLASTIC POLLUTION

 

The term "marine plastic pollution" describes the pervasive issue of plastic waste harming the marine environment and endangering marine life, human health, and the quality and safety of food.

 

Every year, more than 400 million plastic tons are produced, at least 14 million of which wind up in the ocean.

 

 80% of all marine debris discovered in deep-sea sediments and surface waters is composed of plastic debris, making it the most prevalent kind of litter in the ocean.

 

 Fatalities and harm to marine life from ingestion, starvation, suffocation, infection, drowning, and entanglement are among the effects of marine plastic pollution.

 

Furthermore, wildlife is directly and fatally impacted by plastic pollution; every year, thousands of seabirds, sea turtles, seals, and other marine mammals perish after consuming plastic or coming into contact with it.

 

The human food chain is also at risk from plastic pollution because fish and other marine life may swallow plastic debris and fragments, which could then be consumed by humans.

 

The problem is made worse by the fact that plastic breaks down into tiny particles known as microplastics or nano plastics, which are easily consumed by marine life instead of decomposing.

 

The fishing industry, nautical activities, and aquaculture are some of the ocean-based sources of marine plastic pollution, as are land-based activities like urban and stormwater runoff, improper waste disposal, industrial activities, and illegal dumping.

 

With international cooperation and initiatives aimed at reducing plastic pollution and its impact on marine ecosystems, efforts to address this global issue are gathering pace.

 

Marine Plastic Pollution FACTS

 

Level of Pollution: 80% of all marine debris discovered in deep-sea sediments and surface waters is composed of plastic, with at least 14 million tons of plastic entering the ocean annually.

 

Pollution Sources: Land-based sources, such as stormwater runoff from cities and parks, sewage overflows, littering, improper waste disposal and management, industrial operations, tire abrasion, building, and illegal dumping, are the primary contributors of plastic debris that ends up in the ocean. Plastic pollution in the ocean is mostly caused by the fishing industry, boating, and aquaculture.

 

Impact on Marine Life: The most immediate and detrimental effects of ocean plastic pollution are experienced by marine wildlife. Each year, thousands of marine mammals, seals, seabirds, and turtles perish from entanglements in plastic or from eating it. pollution from plastics has a direct and deadly effect on wildlife, leading to fatalities and harm due to ingestion, starvation, suffocation, infection, drowning, and entanglement.

Microplastics and Nanoplastics: Plastic degrades into tiny particles known as microplastics (smaller than 5 mm) or nanoplastics (smaller than 100 nm) when it is exposed to solar UV radiation, wind, currents, and other environmental conditions. They are easily accidentally consumed by marine life due to their small size.

 

Economic Impact: The effects of plastic pollution on fisheries, aquaculture, tourism, and government cleanup have been estimated to cost the world economy up to $19 billion USD annually. Another risk to a vessel's safety at sea is abandoned fishing gear.

 

Land-based sources, such as stormwater and urban runoff, sewage overflows, littering, improper waste disposal and management, industrial operations, tire abrasion, building, and illegal dumping, are the primary contributors of plastic pollution in the ocean.

 

Plastic pollution in the ocean is mostly caused by the fishing industry, boating, and aquaculture.

 

"Mismanaged plastic waste" is the term used to describe plastic waste that is not collected, recycled, or burned; instead, it is just thrown into the environment without being cleaned up. This type of waste is the main source of plastic pollution in the ocean.

 

Marine life and ecosystems are severely impacted by plastic pollution in the ocean. Animals that come into contact with or consume plastic items are most commonly injured by suffocation, entanglement, laceration, infections, and internal injuries.

 

The tiny plastic particles known as microplastics and nanoplastics can enter the food chain, enter the bodies and tissues of marine animals, and have a disastrous effect on the health of our planet and all its inhabitants.

 

HOW CAN PEOPLE LESSEN THE AMOUNT OF PLASTIC WASTE IN THE OCEAN?

 

Reduce Plastic Use: Try not to use as many single-use plastics as possible, like straws, bottles, and bags. Choose reusable substitutes such as metal straws, cloth bags, and water bottles.

 

Encourage and support legislation that aims to reduce the production and waste of plastics. This entails advocating for laws that strengthen waste management and make manufacturers of plastics accountable for the waste they produce.

 

Recycle Properly: To keep plastic products out of the ocean, make sure they are recycled properly. Participate in recycling initiatives and abide by local recycling laws.

 

Take Part in Cleanups: To remove plastics from the environment and stop them from reaching the ocean, take part in or organize neighbourhood beach or waterway cleanups.

 

Educate and Raise Awareness: Inform people about the consequences of plastic pollution and the significance of reducing plastic use. Encourage friends, family, and community members to join efforts to combat plastic pollution.

 

EFFECTS OF MARINE PLASTIC POLLUTION

 

Numerous detrimental effects of marine plastic pollution are seen in ecosystems, human health, and marine life. Among the most notable effects are the following:

Ingestion: Marine animals frequently mistake plastic debris for food, which results in ingestion. When the animal's stomach overflows with plastic, it may starve to death or, in extreme circumstances, result in blockage-related death.

 

Entanglement: Suffocation, drowning, and internal injuries can result from animals getting entangled in plastic debris, including seabirds, marine mammals, and turtles.

 

Animals that come into contact with plastic debris may sustain cuts and infections that worsen their wounds and even cause them to pass away.

 

Ecosystem Disruption: When microplastics and nanoplastics enter the food chain and accumulate there, plastic pollution disturbs ecosystems by impacting the food chain and accumulate in the bodies of marine life.

 

Biodiversity Loss: The International Union for Conservation of Nature's Red List of Threatened Species includes at least 17% of the species impacted by plastic pollution in the ocean.

Human Health: Fish and other marine life may swallow plastic debris and fragments, which could result in human ingestion of these pollutants. Therefore, plastic pollution is a threat to human health.

 

Economic Impact: The effects of plastic pollution on fisheries, aquaculture, tourism, and government cleanup have been estimated to cost the world economy up to $19 billion USD annually.

 

In conclusion addressing marine plastic pollution requires global cooperation, improved waste management practices, and a reduction in the use of single-use plastics.

 

SOURCES

         

1.     A Guide to Plastic in the Ocean

2.     Marine plastic pollution - resource - International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN)

3.     Plastic pollution in the ocean: data, facts, consequences - Ocean Literacy Portal - UNESCO

4.     7 Solutions to Ocean Plastic Pollution - Oceanic Society