The Ocean's Plastic Problem: An Annual Tragedy

Plastic waste makes up 80% of all marine pollution. It is estimated that 8 to 10 million metric tons of plastic enter our oceans each year, with 94% sinking to the sea floor. Once in the water, plastic debris never fully biodegrades and can wreak havoc on marine ecosystems. It can take hundreds of years for plastic to degrade, and even then, it may only become microplastics, tiny particles of plastic that can be ingested by marine animals and enter the food chain. The impact of plastic pollution on marine life is increasingly visible, and it is estimated that marine plastics contribute to the death of more than 100,000 marine mammals every year. While new technologies allow for the capture of larger marine debris, small plastic items and microplastics are virtually impossible to reach, especially deep in the ocean. Therefore, the most effective way to tackle this issue is to prevent plastic from entering the marine environment in the first place.

Plastic production and consumption are predicted to double in a decade

Plastic is the most common form of marine debris, and it can enter the water in many ways, from a variety of land and ocean-based sources. Once in the water, plastic debris never fully biodegrades. It can take hundreds of years for plastic to degrade, and research shows that it may not even fully degrade, but instead break down into microplastics. These microplastics can be eaten by marine animals, entering the food chain and leading to disastrous consequences for the health of the planet and all its inhabitants.

While it is challenging to determine the exact amount of plastic entering the marine environment each year, scientists estimate that between 1 and 2 million metric tons of plastic enter the oceans annually. This is out of the approximately 350 million tons of plastic waste produced globally each year. This means that 0.5% of plastic waste ends up in the ocean, with 94% of this sinking to the sea floor.

The problem of plastic pollution is a solvable one. While reducing plastic production is important, improving the management of plastic waste is even more critical. Around one-fifth of plastics are mismanaged, with this waste tending to be higher in low-to-middle-income countries. Improving waste management infrastructure in these countries will be crucial to tackling the problem of plastic pollution.

Despite the challenges, there is some cause for optimism. In the last two decades, global plastic production has doubled, yet the amount of plastic entering the oceans has remained relatively stable. This suggests that with the right policies and investments in place, it may be possible to significantly reduce the amount of plastic entering the marine environment each year. However, urgent action is needed to address the growing demand for plastic and the associated waste management needs, especially in countries with high economic and population growth.

Plastic waste makes up 80% of marine pollution

Plastic waste is the most common form of marine debris, accounting for a staggering 80% of all marine pollution. This includes everything from plastic bottles, which can last for 450 years in the marine environment, to microplastics, tiny particles of plastic that can be ingested by marine animals and enter the food chain. According to the UK government, 100,000 marine mammals and turtles and 1 million seabirds are killed by marine plastic pollution annually.

The sources of plastic entering the marine environment are varied. It is estimated that 9.5 million tons of plastic enter the ocean from land each year, with 1.75 tons coming directly from the fishing and shipping industries. Single-use plastics, such as plastic bags, disposable cups and bottles, and fruit and vegetable packaging, are responsible for 49% of all marine pollution. In addition, about 20% of the ocean's plastic pollution comes from industrial fishing, and a significant amount of plastic waste enters the ocean from rivers, with 1% of the world's rivers responsible for 80% of the plastic flowing into the oceans.

The impact of plastic waste on marine ecosystems is devastating. It can entangle and be mistaken for food by marine animals, leading to fatal consequences. Plastic pollution also affects marine biodiversity and the food web. Floating plastic items can transport invasive species, and microplastics have been found in drinking water, salt, beer, and soil, impacting human health as well.

Addressing the issue of plastic waste in the marine environment requires a multi-pronged approach. Individual behaviour changes, such as reducing single-use plastic consumption and supporting legislation to reduce plastic production and improve waste management, are crucial. Additionally, research and innovation play a vital role, with new technologies being developed to prevent and remove plastic waste from rivers and oceans. By deepening our knowledge and taking collective action, we can protect our planet and work towards a more sustainable future.

The magnitude of the problem is underscored by the fact that, in the last decade, humanity produced more plastic than in the previous century, and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has stated that 100% of the plastics ever created by humans still exist today. With an estimated 8 to 10 million metric tons of plastic entering the ocean each year, the urgency to tackle this issue is undeniable.

Most plastic sinks to the sea floor, impacting marine life

Marine debris, largely consisting of plastic, is a global problem that negatively impacts wildlife, tourism, and shipping. Humans produce over 400 million metric tons of plastic annually, and it is estimated that 8 to 11 million tons of plastic flow into the ocean every year. While some of this plastic floats on the surface, most of it (94%) sinks to the seafloor, impacting marine life.

Plastics can enter the ocean in many ways, from overflowing landfills and polluted rivers to stormwater drains and strong winds. Once in the water, plastic debris never fully biodegrades. Instead, larger pieces of plastic break down into tiny particles called microplastics, which are often invisible to the naked eye. These microplastics can be ingested by marine organisms, leading to a potential crash in marine ecosystems and the release of poisons into our seafood.

Randi Rotjan, a marine ecologist at Boston University, has found microplastics in coral and seagrass communities, as well as in deep-sea trenches near Japan, Peru, and New Zealand. In her research, Rotjan discovered that plastic was present in the guts of more than 70% of the amphipods (small shrimp-like creatures) collected from these trenches. This finding highlights the far-reaching impact of plastic pollution on marine life, even in the deepest parts of the ocean.

The deep sea is a major sink for microplastic debris, with studies showing that microplastic fibres were up to four times more abundant in deep-sea sediments from the Atlantic Ocean, Mediterranean Sea, and Indian Ocean compared to contaminated sea-surface waters. This indicates that most plastic sinks to the seafloor, where it can be ingested by marine organisms living in these deep-sea habitats.

The presence of plastic in the guts of marine organisms can have severe consequences for their health and the overall marine ecosystem. As noted by Rotjan, "Their bellies are full, but they have no nutrition because they're full of microplastics instead of food. I mean, that just doesn't bode well for the continuation of healthy marine ecosystems." Additionally, plastics release toxic chemicals as they degrade, further affecting marine life. Crabs and sea cucumbers feeding off the seafloor, as well as fish and corals, are all susceptible to ingesting these toxic chemicals.

Plastic doesn't decompose, instead breaking into microplastics

It is challenging to determine the exact amount of plastic that enters marine environments each year. However, it is estimated that around 8 to 10 million metric tons of plastic end up in the oceans annually, with plastic waste accounting for 80% of all marine pollution. This plastic pollution comes from a variety of land and ocean-based sources and enters the water in numerous ways. Once in the water, plastic debris can have devastating effects on marine ecosystems.

Plastic does not naturally decompose; instead, it can persist in the environment for hundreds or even thousands of years. This is because plastic, which is primarily derived from petroleum, contains strong carbon-carbon bonds that are not recognized by the enzymes in microorganisms that break down biodegradable materials. Over time, plastic waste may break down into smaller and smaller pieces, known as microplastics, but it does not fully biodegrade.

Microplastics are tiny particles of plastic that can be ingested by marine animals, leading to harmful consequences for their health and the wider ecosystem. These microplastics can enter the food chain, posing risks to the planet and all its inhabitants, including humans. The presence of plastic in our oceans not only threatens marine species and ecosystems but also impacts our overall health and contributes to climate change.

The slow degradation of plastic in the marine environment is a significant concern. While some plastic materials, such as polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA), are more biodegradable as they are produced naturally by microorganisms, most synthetic plastic products do not easily break down in nature. This results in plastic accumulating in marine environments, with 94% of plastic ending up on the sea floor rather than floating at the surface.

The long-term presence of plastic in the ocean has led to calls for better waste management and pollution prevention. Removing plastic waste from beaches, for instance, can help clean the oceans due to the 'flux' of litter between beaches and the sea. Additionally, new technologies enable the capture of larger marine debris, but small plastic items and microplastics remain challenging to retrieve, especially from the deep ocean. Therefore, preventing plastic waste from entering rivers and seas is crucial.

Preventing plastic waste from entering the ocean is the best solution

Plastic is the most common form of marine debris, and it wreaks havoc on marine ecosystems. It is estimated that 8 to 10 million metric tons of plastic end up in the ocean each year, contributing to the death of more than 100,000 marine mammals annually. This plastic pollution has devastating impacts on marine life, ecosystems, and human health. Therefore, preventing plastic waste from entering the ocean is the best solution to address this global crisis.

Firstly, it is crucial to improve waste management systems and promote proper waste disposal practices. This includes supporting the development of fundamental waste collection infrastructure in countries with rapidly growing economies and increasing disposable plastic usage. Proper waste management not only helps keep plastics out of the ocean but also provides a foundation for a long-term solution of a circular economy. Additionally, implementing recycling and repurposing initiatives is essential. This involves encouraging individuals to reduce, reuse, and recycle plastic products and supporting policies that promote effective recycling and repurposing methods.

Secondly, addressing the issue at its source is vital. This entails minimizing plastic leakage into the natural environment and reducing the manufacturing of unnecessary single-use plastics. A shift in the design and usage of disposable packaging is necessary, exploring more sustainable alternatives and reducing the overall use of plastics. By treating plastic as a valuable resource rather than a disposable material, we can move towards a more circular economy.

Furthermore, making plastics less toxic and more reusable is crucial. This includes working with industries to eliminate the use of harmful additives and chemicals in plastic production, as well as reducing the presence of toxic microplastics. By increasing the reusability of plastics and ensuring they can be effectively recycled, we can decrease the amount of plastic waste that enters our oceans.

Lastly, collaboration and collective action are key. This involves bringing together governments, private sectors, NGOs, and local communities to tackle the problem at all levels, from local to international. Initiatives like Ocean Conservancy's International Coastal Cleanup® have engaged millions of volunteers worldwide, demonstrating the power of collective effort. By sharing knowledge, resources, and best practices, we can amplify our impact in preventing plastic waste from entering our oceans.

Frequently asked questions