The Ocean's Plastic Crisis: Exploring The 5 Gyres

The 5 Gyres Institute is a non-profit organization that focuses on reducing plastic pollution through primary research. The name refers to the five main subtropical gyres in the North and South Pacific, the North and South Atlantic, and the Indian Ocean. These gyres are massive, circular current systems where plastic accumulates, forming patches of concentrated marine debris. 5 Gyres determined that there were 5.25 trillion plastic particles, weighing 269,000 metric tons, on the ocean's surface in 2014. An update in 2023 revealed a staggering increase to over 170 trillion plastic particles, weighing 2 million tons, in the world's oceans.

The 5 Gyres Institute is a non-profit organisation

In 2011, the 5 Gyres Institute completed the first global survey of plastic marine pollution, finding evidence of plastic across all five subtropical gyres, the oceanic current systems where plastic waste accumulates. The research, published as the Global Estimate of Plastic Pollution in 2014, determined that nearly 270,000 metric tons and 5.25 trillion pieces of plastic are on the surface of the world's oceans. This figure was set to be updated in 2018. The institute has also been involved in research expeditions, with its 2015 Expedition featured in the 2017 documentary "Smog of the Sea", produced by Jack Johnson, who participated in the voyage.

The 5 Gyres Institute has been successful in raising awareness about polystyrene and Styrofoam plastic pollution through campaigns such as the 2017 #foamfree Action Campaign, which encouraged a pledge to refuse single-use polystyrene products. They have also been instrumental in convincing companies to phase out plastic microbeads, which are commonly found in personal care products like toothpaste and exfoliating soaps. In addition to their research and advocacy work, the institute presents travelling exhibits and educational discussions, reaching 3,000 students through the "Every Kid in a Park" program in 2016.

The 5 Gyres Institute has been in special consultative status with the United Nations Economic and Social Council since 2017. They continue to work towards reducing plastic pollution, engaging corporate partners, policymakers, and the general public to drive change and protect our planet, wildlife, and human health from the harmful effects of plastic waste.

Plastic pollution in the five subtropical gyres

Plastic pollution is a pressing issue in the five subtropical gyres, massive circular current systems located in the North and South Pacific, the North and South Atlantic, and the Indian Ocean. These gyres act as accumulation zones for plastic waste, trapping it within their currents and posing significant threats to marine life and the environment.

The 5 Gyres Institute, a non-profit organization dedicated to reducing plastic pollution, has been at the forefront of researching and addressing this issue. In 2014, they published the Global Estimate of Plastic Pollution, estimating nearly 270,000 metric tons and 5.25 trillion pieces of plastic on the surface of the world's oceans. This research highlighted the urgent need for action and has since been updated in 2023 to reflect the growing magnitude of the problem.

The accumulation of plastic in these gyres occurs due to diminished winds and currents at latitudes associated with continental deserts. Plastic waste can remain trapped within these systems for at least a decade, gradually breaking down into smaller pieces known as microplastics. These microplastics can be ingested by marine life, leading to toxic effects on their health and potentially entering the food chain, ultimately impacting human health as well.

One of the most well-known examples of plastic accumulation in the gyres is the Great Pacific Garbage Patch in the North Pacific Gyre. This area has gained notoriety for its high concentration of plastic debris, primarily consisting of tiny microplastics with scattered larger items such as fishing gear. However, it is important to note that the misconception of a "plastic island" exists, as the garbage patch is constantly moving and changing with the currents, making it challenging to simply capture and remove.

The plastic pollution in the five subtropical gyres is a complex and far-reaching problem. It requires a multi-faceted approach involving scientific research, policy changes, community engagement, and corporate responsibility to implement effective solutions. By addressing the root causes of plastic pollution and promoting sustainable alternatives, we can work towards mitigating the impact on our oceans and the planet as a whole.

Plastic in the North Pacific Gyre

The Great Pacific Garbage Patch (GPGP) is the largest of the five offshore plastic accumulation zones in the world's oceans. It is located halfway between Hawaii and California and covers an estimated surface of 1.6 million square kilometres. The GPGP is the result of the convergence of ocean surface currents, with the maximum plastic concentrations from individual surface net tows exceeding 106 pieces per square kilometre. The plastic particles in the GPGP water column are mostly in the size range of 500 micrometres to 5 centimetres, which is similar to the size of particles circulating in its surface waters.

The plastic in the GPGP comes from a variety of sources, including offshore fishing activities, with over 75% of the plastic in the patch attributable to these activities. The presence of decades-old objects in the North Pacific gyre indicates that floating plastic pollution in these waters may be persistent. The plastic particles found in the water column are likely fragments originating from the fallout of initially buoyant plastic debris circulating in the surface waters.

The fate of floating plastic debris trapped in the gyres remains largely unknown. However, there is evidence of the vertical transfer of plastic debris from the North Pacific Garbage Patch (NPGP) into the underlying deep sea. The plastic particles in the NPGP water column are dominated by polyethylene and polypropylene. The long-term fate of plastic debris accumulating in the subtropical gyres is still a mystery, and a better understanding of the plastic inputs and outputs is crucial to accurately assess the residence time and fate of positively buoyant plastics in these regions.

Plastic pollution in the North Pacific Gyre has been shown to have significant impacts on marine life. For example, high amounts of plastic have been found in the digestive tracts of sea turtles and oceanic seabirds. The plastic/biota ratios were calculated using all Manta net tows, and the results showed that the percent composition of ocean plastics (by dry weight) in the digestive contents of sea turtles feeding in these waters ranged from 0% to 74%.

Plastic pollution in oceans

Plastic pollution in the oceans is a pressing issue that requires global attention. The accumulation of plastic waste in the five main subtropical gyres, located in the North and South Pacific, the North and South Atlantic, and the Indian Ocean, underscores the magnitude of this environmental crisis. These gyres, massive circular current systems, act as traps for plastic debris, leading to the formation of garbage patches.

The non-profit organization, 5 Gyres, has been at the forefront of researching and addressing plastic pollution in these gyres. Their findings reveal an alarming extent of plastic contamination. In 2014, they published the Global Estimate of Plastic Pollution, quantifying the plastic pollution on the ocean's surface at nearly 270,000 metric tons and 5.25 trillion pieces. This estimate was updated in 2023, indicating a staggering increase to more than 170 trillion plastic particles, weighing approximately 2 million tonnes, currently afloat in the world's oceans.

The persistence of plastic pollution in the 5 gyres is attributed to the unique characteristics of these oceanic regions. Gyres are large-scale systems of wind-driven surface currents. Within the gyres, diminished winds and currents cause plastic debris to become trapped, taking at least a decade to cycle out, if it does not first get consumed by marine life or sink to the ocean depths. This prolonged retention within the gyres leads to the continuous breakdown of plastic items into microplastics and nanoplastics, which permeate all waters, including the most remote corners of the globe.

The sources of plastic pollution in the oceans are diverse. While the fishing industry is a primary contributor, the problem is exacerbated by plastic flowing downstream from rivers and coastal cities. Microplastics also shed from consumer goods like car tires and textiles, escaping wastewater treatment plants and eventually making their way into the ocean. Notably, the impact of plastic pollution extends beyond the marine environment. Research has detected microplastics and nanoplastics in various organs and systems within the human body, underscoring the urgency of addressing this global crisis.

To effectively tackle plastic pollution in the oceans, a multifaceted approach is necessary. Organizations like 5 Gyres play a pivotal role in driving solutions through scientific research, advocacy, and community engagement. Their campaigns, such as the #foamfree Action Campaign, aim to raise awareness and encourage individuals to take action by refusing single-use plastic products. Additionally, there is a growing recognition of the need for legally binding agreements and policies to reduce plastic pollution, particularly in addressing the increase in plastic production and waste. By combining scientific insights, public awareness, and effective policies, we can collectively strive to mitigate the plastic pollution crisis affecting our oceans and, by extension, the planet as a whole.

Plastic in the environment

The 5 Gyres organisation published the first Global Estimate of Marine Plastic Pollution in 2014, revealing approximately 5.25 trillion plastic particles, weighing about 269,000 metric tons, on the ocean's surface. An updated estimate in 2023 showed a staggering increase, with more than 170 trillion plastic particles and 2 million tonnes of plastic pollution afloat in the world's oceans. This data highlights an urgent need for effective policies and legally binding agreements to address the plastic crisis.

Plastic pollution in the environment has far-reaching consequences. It breaks down into microplastics, which can be ingested by marine life, working its way up the food chain and ultimately ending up on our plates. Research has found plastic particles in various organs of the human body, including the lungs, heart, brain, and placenta. The impact of plastic pollution is not limited to the oceans; it is present in every corner of the globe, contaminating both marine and land animals and contributing to the climate crisis.

The problem of plastic pollution is exacerbated by misconceptions and a lack of visibility. The idea of a ""plastic island" or a garbage patch that can be easily cleaned up perpetuates the notion that plastic pollution is a manageable issue. In reality, plastic debris is constantly breaking down into smaller pieces, permeating all waters and contributing to a global crisis. Cities and manufacturing facilities act as horizontal smokestacks, continuously pumping plastic into the ocean. Therefore, addressing plastic pollution requires collaboration between organisations, communities, policymakers, and corporations to stop emissions at their source.

To combat plastic pollution, 5 Gyres employs a multi-pronged approach. They conduct scientific research to advance evidence-based solutions, advocate for impactful policies, and engage in educational initiatives. Their work has influenced companies to phase out plastic microbeads and has empowered citizens to take action through campaigns like #foamfree. These collective efforts are crucial in the fight against plastic pollution and its detrimental effects on the environment and human health.

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