Chloe Zhang
Plastic pollution in the ocean is a pressing global issue. It is estimated that 8-13 million tons of plastic waste enters the ocean each year, threatening marine ecosystems and the people who depend on them. Plastic pollution has impacted at least 267 species worldwide, including 86% of all sea turtle species, 44% of all seabird species, and 43% of all marine mammal species. It is expected that at current rates, plastic will outweigh all the fish in the sea by 2050.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Amount of plastic entering the ocean each year | 8-13 million tons |
| Plastic in the ocean in 2010 | 8 million tons |
| Plastic as a percentage of the world's ocean surfaces | 40% |
| Plastic in the ocean compared to fish by 2050 | More than all the fish in the sea |
| Number of species impacted by marine plastic pollution | At least 267 |
| Percentage of sea turtle species impacted by marine plastic pollution | 86% |
| Percentage of seabird species impacted by marine plastic pollution | 44% |
| Percentage of marine mammal species impacted by marine plastic pollution | 43% |
| Chance of corals contracting disease after coming into contact with plastic | 89% |
What You'll Learn
Plastic waste encourages the growth of pathogens in the ocean
Plastic waste in the ocean is a global crisis. Billions of pounds of plastic can be found in swirling convergences that make up about 40% of the world's ocean surfaces. At current rates, plastic is expected to outweigh all the fish in the sea by 2050.
Plastic waste in the ocean has a direct and deadly effect on wildlife. Marine plastic pollution has impacted at least 267 species worldwide, including 86% of all sea turtle species, 44% of all seabird species and 43% of all marine mammal species. Thousands of seabirds and sea turtles, seals and other marine mammals are killed each year after ingesting plastic or getting entangled in it.
Up to 13 million tons of plastic waste enters the ocean each year, threatening marine ecosystems and the people who depend on them. While it's tough to say exactly how much plastic is in the ocean, scientists think about 8 million metric tons of plastic entered the ocean in 2010.
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Plastic pollution affects marine wildlife
Plastic pollution is a global crisis that is having a devastating impact on marine wildlife. Billions of pounds of plastic can be found on beaches and in the ocean, making up about 40% of the world's ocean surfaces. At current rates, plastic is expected to outweigh all the fish in the sea by 2050.
Plastic waste in the ocean affects creatures large and small, from seabirds, whales and dolphins to tiny seahorses that live in coral reefs. It has been found to restrict the growth of fish and encourage the growth of pathogens in the ocean. A recent study found that corals that come into contact with plastic have an 89% chance of contracting disease, compared with a 4% likelihood for corals that do not.
Marine plastic pollution has impacted at least 267 species worldwide, including 86% of all sea turtle species, 44% of all seabird species and 43% of all marine mammal species. Thousands of seabirds and sea turtles, seals and other marine mammals are killed each year after ingesting plastic or getting entangled in it. Endangered wildlife such as Hawaiian monk seals and Pacific loggerhead sea turtles are among nearly 700 species that eat and get caught in plastic litter.
Up to 13 million tons of plastic waste enters the ocean each year, threatening marine ecosystems and the people who depend on them. Scientists have better documented the environmental and economic impacts of plastic on our marine environment in recent years, leading to increased global awareness of the issue.
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Plastic pollution impacts the people who depend on marine ecosystems
Plastic waste can encourage the growth of pathogens in the ocean. According to a recent study, scientists concluded that corals that come into contact with plastic have an 89% chance of contracting disease, compared with a 4% likelihood for corals that do not. This 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. Endangered wildlife like Hawaiian monk seals and Pacific loggerhead sea turtles are among nearly 700 species that eat and get caught in plastic litter. Marine plastic pollution has impacted at least 267 species worldwide, including 86% of all sea turtle species, 44% of all seabird species and 43% of all marine mammal species.
Plastic pollution also affects people who depend on marine ecosystems for their livelihoods. For example, those who rely on fishing may find their catches decreasing as fish populations decline due to plastic pollution. In addition, the presence of plastic in the ocean can also impact the quality of seafood, as toxins from plastic can accumulate in the tissue of fish and other marine organisms, potentially making them unsafe for human consumption.
Furthermore, plastic pollution can also impact the tourism industry, which is often a significant source of revenue for coastal communities. Beaches littered with plastic waste may deter tourists from visiting certain areas, affecting the local economy.
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Plastic pollution is a global crisis
Up to 13 million tons of plastic waste enters the ocean each year, threatening marine ecosystems and the people who depend on them. Plastic waste can encourage the growth of pathogens in the ocean. According to a recent study, scientists concluded that corals that come into contact with plastic have an 89% chance of contracting disease, compared with a 4% likelihood for corals that do not.
The problem continues to grow. Many plastic products are single-use items that are designed to be thrown out, like water bottles or take-out containers. While it's tough to say exactly how much plastic is in the ocean, scientists think about 8 million metric tons of plastic entered the ocean in 2010. That's the weight of nearly 90 aircraft carriers.
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Plastic pollution is a growing problem
Plastic pollution 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. Marine plastic pollution has impacted at least 267 species worldwide, including 86% of all sea turtle species, 44% of all seabird species and 43% of all marine mammal species. Endangered wildlife like Hawaiian monk seals and Pacific loggerhead sea turtles are among nearly 700 species that eat and get caught in plastic litter.
Up to 13 million tons of plastic waste enters the ocean each year, threatening marine ecosystems and the people who depend on them. Plastic waste can encourage the growth of pathogens in the ocean. According to a recent study, scientists concluded that corals that come into contact with plastic have an 89% chance of contracting disease, compared with a 4% likelihood for corals that do not.
The problem is only getting worse. While it's tough to say exactly how much plastic is in the ocean, scientists think about 8 million metric tons of plastic entered the ocean in 2010. That's the weight of nearly 90 aircraft carriers.
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Frequently asked questions
It's difficult to say exactly how much plastic is in the ocean, but scientists estimate that about 8 million metric tons of plastic entered the ocean in 2010. That's the weight of nearly 90 aircraft carriers.
Plastic in the ocean has a direct and deadly effect on wildlife. It has impacted at least 267 species worldwide, including 86% of all sea turtle species, 44% of all seabird species and 43% of all marine mammal species.
Marine wildlife can be injured or killed by plastic in the ocean. They may ingest plastic or get entangled in it. Plastic waste can also encourage the growth of pathogens in the ocean.
All types of plastic items can be found in the ocean, from single-use items like water bottles and takeout containers to larger items like plastic bags and cups. Microplastics have even been found in the deepest parts of the ocean.
Global awareness about plastic pollution has grown tremendously in the last decade, thanks to the efforts of nongovernmental organizations and scientists. Reducing plastic waste, reusing and recycling plastic items, and supporting initiatives to clean up our oceans can all help to reduce the impact of plastic on the ocean.
