Plastic Pollution Crisis: Killing Our Oceans And Marine Life

Plastic waste is a global crisis that is wreaking havoc on marine life. It is estimated that 8 to 13 million tons of plastic enter our oceans each year, threatening marine ecosystems and the people who depend on them. The impact of plastic pollution on marine life is twofold: ingestion and entanglement. Marine animals ingest plastic, confusing it for food, which can cause intestinal injury and starvation. They also get entangled in plastic debris, which can lead to injury and death. This has affected thousands of marine animals, from small finches to blue whales, and endangered species such as Hawaiian monk seals and Pacific loggerhead sea turtles. With plastic production expected to increase by 40% in the next decade, the crisis is only growing, and urgent action is needed to address it.

Plastic ingestion kills marine animals

Plastic ingestion is a significant cause of death for marine animals. It is estimated that 100,000 marine animals die from ingesting plastic or entanglement each year. This figure is likely an underestimate as many affected animals may never be found.

Plastic waste in the ocean is a relatively new phenomenon, with plastic having been invented in the early 20th century. However, since its inception, plastic production has grown exponentially, from 2 million tonnes per year in 1950 to 460 million metric tons in 2019. This has resulted in an estimated 8 to 13 million metric tons of plastic entering the ocean annually. The impact of this waste is felt throughout the ocean, with plastic pollution affecting ecosystems from the deepest point of the Mariana Trench to the poles and sea floor.

Marine animals that rely on eyesight may mistake plastic for food. For example, leatherback turtles, whose staple diet is jellyfish, often mistake plastic bags for their favourite food. Similarly, sea turtles mistake floating plastic garbage for seaweed, and seabirds mistake small plastic fragments on the water's surface for fish or algae. For other marine animals, such as whales and dolphins, that use echolocation to find their prey, plastic can be even more confusing. Their multi-million-year-old sonar system has not had time to adjust to the relatively new presence of plastic.

The ingestion of plastic can lead to intestinal injury and death. It can also cause inflammation of abdominal tissues, as seen in the case of a sperm whale that died with nearly 30 kilograms of plastic in its gut. In addition, chemicals can build up in the fatty tissues of animals that have eaten contaminated plastic, leading to biomagnification up the food chain. Orcas, for example, have been found with high deposits of chemicals in their fatty tissues and breast milk.

The impact of plastic ingestion on marine animals is not limited to physical harm. Plastic pollution also affects the mental health and behaviour of marine animals. For example, entanglement in plastic debris has led to injury and mortality in the endangered Steller sea lion, causing distress and suffering.

Plastic entanglement kills marine animals

Plastic pollution in the ocean is a pressing issue, with an estimated 8 to 13 million tons of plastic entering the ocean each year. This plastic pollution has severe consequences for marine life, with ingestion and entanglement in plastic being the two primary causes of death. While ingestion of plastic is a significant issue, this article will focus on plastic entanglement and its deadly effects on marine animals.

Plastic entanglement is a significant threat to marine animals, with fatal encounters increasing by 40% in the last decade. Marine animals, such as dolphins, sea turtles, sharks, and whales, can become entangled in plastic debris, leading to drowning, physical trauma, or impaired movement. For example, a recent report by Oceana found nearly 1,800 cases of turtles and marine mammals entangled in plastic off the American coast since 2009.

One of the most common forms of plastic entanglement is "ghost fishing." This involves fishing gear, such as nets, that is either deliberately discarded or accidentally washed overboard, continuing to ensnare marine creatures. The results from recovered ghost nets reveal a devastating toll, with skeletons of dolphins, turtles, sharks, and reef fish entangled within. Even if the animals can move while entangled, their chances of survival are slim.

Plastic entanglement can also lead to severe injuries and infections. For instance, rare species like the humpback dolphin have been observed with plastic tightly wrapped around their bodies, cutting into their skin and leaving them vulnerable to deadly infections.

The impact of plastic entanglement on marine animals is far-reaching and devastating. It is essential to recognize the role of plastic pollution in these entanglement cases and work towards reducing plastic waste and protecting marine life.

Plastic in the ocean poisons animals

For other marine animals that use echolocation to find their prey, like whales and dolphins, plastic in the ocean can be even more confusing for their multi-million-year-old sonar systems. As a result, they may become entangled in plastic-based fishing gear or ingest plastic, leading to fatal consequences. For example, in 2018, a juvenile sperm whale was found dead on a beach in Spain with nearly 30 kilograms of plastic in its digestive tract, causing inflammation and likely a huge amount of suffering.

Additionally, plastic waste can 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 diseases, compared to a 4% likelihood for corals that do not. This poses a significant threat to unique and vulnerable deep-sea communities, such as cold-water corals and hydrothermal vent communities.

The impact of plastic pollution on marine life is devastating and far-reaching. It is estimated that up to 13 million metric tons of plastic enter the ocean each year, threatening marine ecosystems and the species that call it home. While it is challenging to determine the exact number, it is believed that plastic pollution kills 100,000 marine mammals annually.

Plastic pollution is growing

Plastic pollution is a growing problem that is wreaking havoc on marine ecosystems and the animals that inhabit them. It is estimated that up to 13 million metric tons of plastic enter the ocean each year, with about 8 to 10 million tons making their way into the water annually. This plastic pollution comes from a variety of sources, including single-use products, fishing gear, and takeaway containers. The impact of this pollution is devastating, killing or crippling marine animals and affecting at least 800 species worldwide.

One of the most famous examples of ocean plastic pollution is the Great Pacific Garbage Patch, a gyre of plastic debris in the north-central Pacific Ocean. This accumulation of plastic is made up of 1.8 trillion pieces, covering an area twice the size of Texas. The patch is a stark reminder of the enduring nature of plastic, which can take hundreds or even thousands of years to decompose. During this time, plastic breaks down into smaller and smaller pieces, known as microplastics, which have been found in every step of the food chain, from marine life to human beings.

Marine animals are particularly vulnerable to the dangers of plastic pollution. They can become entangled in abandoned fishing lines and nets, leading to injury or drowning. Ingestion of plastic is also a significant issue, with marine animals mistaking plastic for food. This can cause intestinal injuries, starvation, and the transfer of plastic up the food chain. It is estimated that up to 100,000 marine animals are killed by plastic ingestion or entanglement each year, including endangered species such as Hawaiian monk seals and Pacific loggerhead sea turtles.

The problem of plastic pollution is not limited to the oceans. Plastic has been found in the deepest part of the Mariana Trench and even on Mount Everest. The production of plastic has grown exponentially, with 9.5 billion metric tons produced from 1950 to 2019. The fossil fuel industry's plans to increase plastic production further exacerbate the issue. Urgent action is needed to address this global plastic pollution crisis and protect marine life from its devastating impacts.

Plastic in the ocean affects humans

Plastic in the ocean has a detrimental impact on marine life and ecosystems, but it also affects humans in several ways. Firstly, the presence of plastic in the ocean indicates a broader issue of environmental degradation and human health risks. As plastic waste accumulates in the ocean, it releases toxic chemicals, which can contaminate water supplies and the food chain. These toxic chemicals, including oil, mercury, lead, pesticides, and heavy metals, can cause severe health issues in humans if consumed or ingested over extended periods.

The toxins from plastic waste can enter the human body through various pathways. One significant route is the consumption of contaminated seafood. Fish and other marine organisms can ingest or become entangled in plastic, leading to the accumulation of toxins in their bodies. When humans consume these contaminated seafood items, they are exposed to the toxins, which can result in health issues such as digestive problems, immune system dysfunction, and even long-term risks like cancer.

Additionally, plastic waste in the ocean contributes to the spread of invasive species, which can have indirect effects on human activities and livelihoods. For example, the presence of invasive species can disrupt marine ecosystems, affecting biodiversity and the food web. This, in turn, can impact fishing industries and the availability of seafood resources, ultimately influencing human communities that depend on marine ecosystems for sustenance and economic activities.

Moreover, the issue of plastic in the ocean highlights the interconnectedness of human actions and the environment. The vast majority of plastic waste in the ocean originates from land-based sources, including rivers and streams. Human activities, such as the disposal of plastic waste and the use of synthetic clothing, directly contribute to this pollution. As a result, human communities are encouraged to adopt more sustainable practices, such as recycling, using reusable items, and participating in beach clean-up initiatives.

While the specific health consequences of plastic exposure are challenging to determine due to the global prevalence of plastic contamination, it is evident that the chemicals found in plastic are not conducive to human health. The complex interplay between plastic pollution, human health, and the environment underscores the urgency of addressing this issue through global cooperation and a reduction in plastic waste.

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