Ethan Clarke
Plastic pollution is a major threat to coral reefs, which are incredibly biodiverse ecosystems that cover less than 1% of the Earth's surface but house around 25% of all marine biodiversity. A four-year study found that reefs in Australia, Thailand, Indonesia, and Myanmar were heavily contaminated with plastic, which clings to coral, causing physical damage and increasing the likelihood of disease. The study also revealed that plastic fishing debris, such as ropes, long lines, and nets, gets entangled in reefs, killing marine life and continuing to catch fish even after being discarded, a phenomenon known as ghost fishing. Additionally, plastic waste can carry microbes and expose reefs to pathogens when coral tissue is abraded. The presence of plastic debris has been linked to a higher risk of diseases like skeletal eroding band, white syndromes, and black band disease, which contribute to rapid coral mortality. With 8 million tons of plastic ending up in the ocean annually, it is crucial to address plastic pollution and implement measures such as plastic bag bans and the promotion of reusable bags to protect and preserve these valuable coral reef ecosystems.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Plastic debris sits atop reefs | 92% of reefs examined |
| Plastic debris promotes the development of diseases | The likelihood of disease increases from 4% to 89% |
| Plastic debris suffocates and kills corals, sponges, and other invertebrates | N/A |
| Plastic debris affects more complex and branched coral shapes | N/A |
| Plastic debris affects coral growth | N/A |
| Plastic debris affects coral feeding | N/A |
| Plastic debris is denser on reefs near cities and markets | N/A |
| Plastic debris is more common in low and middle-income countries | Brazil, the Philippines, and Comoros |
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What You'll Learn
Plastic debris smothers coral reefs
Plastic debris is smothering and killing coral reefs. A recent study found that plastic debris sits atop almost 92% of the reefs they studied, including some of the most remote and uninhabited ones. The trash was mostly plastic fishing debris, such as ropes, long lines, and nets that get entangled and stuck in the reef. Even after being discarded or lost, this fishing gear continues to catch fish, a phenomenon known as "ghost fishing".
The study also discovered that there was more plastic enmeshed in deeper reefs than in shallower ones, likely because most fish in shallow water have already been overfished, pushing fishing activity to greater depths. As expected, reefs closer to cities and markets had denser plastic pollution.
Plastic debris promotes the development of diseases in coral reefs. The risk of disease can be up to 22 times greater on a reef polluted by plastic than on a preserved reef. Three major diseases of corals increased when coral was in contact with plastic waste: Skeletal Eroding Band Disease, White Syndromes, and Black Band Disease. Black Band Disease moves across the surface of a coral, systematically killing it and leaving a barren white skeleton in its wake.
Plastic debris also physically damages and abrades corals, creating open wounds that expose them to microbes and harmful bacteria. The overall likelihood of disease in corals increases from a 4% instance of disease in reefs without plastic to 89% in the presence of plastic debris.
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Plastic waste increases the likelihood of coral diseases
Plastic waste is a major threat to coral reefs, causing physical damage and increasing the likelihood of disease. A four-year study of 159 reefs in the Pacific found that reefs in Australia, Thailand, Indonesia, and Myanmar were heavily contaminated with plastic. The presence of plastic increases the risk of disease in corals, with the likelihood of disease rising from 4% in reefs without plastic to up to 89% in those with plastic debris.
Plastic waste promotes the development of diseases in corals, acting as a vector for pathogens and harmful microorganisms. The physical abrasion caused by plastic creates openings in the coral, providing an entry point for infections. This is especially true for branching corals, which are more likely to retain debris due to their complex structure. The risk of disease is further exacerbated by the stress of bleaching events, which are becoming more frequent due to climate change and warm water temperatures.
The impact of plastic waste on coral health was evident in a study by Lamb et al. (2018), which found that corals in close proximity displayed noticeable differences, with those entangled in plastic exhibiting signs of disease. Three major diseases showed an increase in corals in contact with plastic waste: Skeletal Eroding Band Disease, White Syndromes, and Black Band Disease. White Syndromes, in particular, have caused rapid mortality in acropora coral, killing 95% of this species in the Florida Reef.
The presence of plastic debris in coral reefs is a global issue, with plastic pollution found in remote and uninhabited locations. Low and middle-income countries tend to have higher levels of plastic pollution due to limited waste management resources and inadequate fishing gear. However, plastic pollution was denser in reefs near cities and markets, highlighting the impact of human populations on plastic waste generation.
The degradation of coral reefs due to plastic waste has significant ecological and economic implications. Coral reefs house approximately 25% of the world's biodiversity and contribute to coastal protection and economic activities such as fishing and tourism. By reducing plastic consumption, improving recycling practices, and ensuring proper waste disposal, we can help mitigate the impact of plastic pollution on these valuable ecosystems.
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Plastic pollution is denser near cities and markets
Plastic pollution is one of the most pressing environmental issues, threatening coral reefs worldwide. The annual production of plastics has increased nearly 230-fold in the last seven decades, with 350 million tons of plastic waste generated each year. This waste often ends up in the oceans, with an estimated 8 million tons of plastic escaping into the oceans annually.
The impact of plastic pollution on coral reefs is evident in a four-year study of 159 reefs in the Pacific. The study found that reefs in Australia, Thailand, Indonesia, and Myanmar were heavily contaminated with plastic, which clings to the coral and promotes the development of diseases. The likelihood of disease increases significantly when corals come into contact with plastic, with complex and branched coral structures being more susceptible.
The concentration of plastic pollution in the oceans is not uniform, and several factors contribute to denser plastic pollution near cities and markets. Firstly, population density plays a significant role. Higher population densities, often associated with cities and markets, increase the amount of plastic waste generated. Inefficient garbage collection systems and waste management practices in developing nations further exacerbate the problem, leading to plastic waste ending up in nearby water bodies.
Additionally, the proximity to coastlines and river systems is another critical factor. Rivers act as conveyor belts, picking up plastic waste and transporting it downstream towards the oceans. Coastal cities and markets located near river systems are more likely to contribute to plastic pollution in the oceans, especially when waste management practices are inadequate. The combination of high population density, inefficient waste management, and proximity to water bodies results in denser plastic pollution near cities and markets.
Moreover, the economic status of a region also influences plastic pollution levels. Historically, higher-income countries in Europe and North America have played a more significant role in polluting the oceans with accumulated plastic stocks. However, the current situation is more complex. Developing Asian and African nations often lack effective garbage collection systems, resulting in visible plastic pollution. At the same time, low recycling rates in developed countries also contribute to the problem. The global nature of plastic pollution highlights the need for international cooperation and systemic transformation to address this crisis.
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Plastic fishing gear gets entangled in coral reefs
Plastic fishing gear is one of the major sources of plastic pollution in the ocean, with nets, lines, pots, and traps being dumped into the sea every year. This plastic debris gets entangled in coral reefs, causing severe damage to the reefs and the marine life that inhabits them.
Fishing gear, made of non-biodegradable plastics, can drift in ocean currents and end up on coral reefs, where it becomes entangled and detrimental to the delicate coral ecosystem. The gear can entrap and suffocate marine organisms, leading to their death. Additionally, the physical presence of the plastic can abrade and tear the coral, creating openings for infections and diseases to take hold.
Research has shown that plastic pollution increases the likelihood of coral diseases. The risk of disease can be up to 22 times greater on reefs contaminated with plastic. Specifically, four common coral diseases (skeletal eroding band, white syndromes, black band, and brown band) are more prevalent on reefs polluted by plastic. The complex and branched structure of some corals makes them more susceptible to retaining plastic debris, increasing the likelihood of disease.
The impact of plastic fishing gear on coral reefs is not limited to entanglement and disease propagation. The gear can also serve as an artificial substrate for corals, with certain species colonizing the lost gear. This colonization can further damage the coral by causing tissue loss and fragmentation. Additionally, the weight and presence of the gear can impair the structural complexity of the reef, reducing fish abundance and diversity in the ecosystem.
The issue of plastic fishing gear entanglement in coral reefs is widespread, affecting reefs in the Indian, Pacific, and Atlantic Oceans. It is imperative to address this problem through specific interventions, such as no-charge disposal of damaged gear and individual labelling of equipment, to hold fishers accountable and reduce the detrimental impact of plastic on coral reefs.
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Plastic bags damage coral reefs
Plastic bags are a significant contributor to the pollution of coral reefs. A four-year study on 159 reefs in the Pacific found that reefs in Australia, Thailand, Indonesia, and Myanmar were heavily contaminated with plastic, with plastic bags being a common pollutant. The presence of plastic bags and other plastic debris smothers and kills coral reefs, sponges, and other invertebrates.
Plastic bags can get entangled in coral reefs, suffocating and damaging the coral. They can also increase the likelihood of coral getting a disease. For example, a plastic bag entangled in a coral reef in the Philippines turned some of the branches white, indicating that they were dead or dying. The risk of disease can be up to 22 times greater on a reef polluted by plastic compared to a preserved reef.
The complex and branched shape of some coral types makes them more susceptible to plastic bag entanglement and the resulting damage. Additionally, plastic bags can abrade corals, creating openings that allow infections to start. The presence of plastic also promotes the development of diseases, with an increased risk of common coral diseases such as skeletal eroding band, white syndromes, black band, growth anomalies, brown band, and atramentous necrosis.
The impact of plastic bags on coral reefs can be mitigated through the implementation of bans on single-use plastic bags and the distribution of reusable bags. Some countries have already implemented plastic bag bans and distributed reusable bags to reduce the harm caused by plastic pollution. Educating the public about the impact of plastic use on coral reefs and providing alternatives, such as reusable bags, are crucial steps in protecting these valuable ecosystems.
Overall, plastic bags pose a significant threat to coral reefs, contributing to their degradation and increasing the likelihood of disease and death. Addressing this issue through policy changes and public education is essential for the conservation of coral reefs and the diverse flora and fauna they support.
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Frequently asked questions
Plastic debris suffocates and kills coral reefs, sponges and other invertebrates. It also increases the likelihood of coral getting a disease.
Plastic carries microbes and can end up settling in coral reef ecosystems. Once entangled in the reefs, plastic physically damages corals and abrades them, creating open wounds. After damaging the coral, the plastic exposes the coral reefs to the microbes.
Some diseases that affect coral reefs include skeletal eroding band disease, white syndromes, and black band disease. White syndromes peel the tissue straight from the coral skeleton, working upward from the base. Black band disease moves across the surface of a coral, systematically killing it, leaving a barren white skeleton in its wake.
Individuals can take action every day to reduce the pressure on coral reefs by reducing their consumption of plastic, recycling it properly, and ensuring that their waste does not end up in the environment. Policy solutions such as a ban on plastic bags can also help reduce the amount of plastic waste that ends up in the ocean.
