Ocean Plastic Pollution: Understanding The Devastating Impact

Plastic pollution in the ocean is one of the most pressing environmental issues we face today. It is estimated that there are 50-75 trillion pieces of plastic and microplastics in the ocean, with some sources giving a figure of 358 trillion microplastic particles floating on the surface alone. The amount of plastic in the ocean is difficult to quantify due to the varying sizes of plastic waste, from huge fishing nets to tiny nanoplastic particles invisible to the naked eye. While the exact amount of plastic in the ocean is uncertain, it is clear that the problem is significant and growing.

Plastic in the ocean comes from littering, manufacturing, and industrial fishing

While it is difficult to determine the exact amount of plastic in the ocean, scientists estimate that about 8 million metric tons of plastic entered the ocean in 2010, and more than 8 million metric tons enter the oceans annually. The volume of plastics in the ocean is estimated to be around 75 to 199 million tons.

Plastic in the ocean comes from a variety of sources, including littering, manufacturing, and industrial fishing. Intentional or unintentional littering, as well as improper waste disposal, are significant contributors to marine plastic pollution. Plastic waste that is not properly disposed of can be carried by wind and rain into nearby water bodies, and eventually make its way into the ocean through streams and storm drains. This is particularly prevalent in coastal cities in middle-income countries, where plastic emissions are high due to a combination of increasing plastic consumption and inadequate waste management systems.

Another major source of plastic in the ocean is manufacturing and the disposal of plastic materials. Only 9% of plastic is recycled globally, and about 22% of plastic waste is not collected, improperly disposed of, or ends up as litter. This uncollected or improperly disposed of plastic waste often finds its way into oceans, contributing to the growing plastic pollution crisis.

Additionally, industrial fishing activities are responsible for a significant portion of plastic pollution in the oceans. A study of the Great Pacific Garbage Patch (GPGP) found that 75% to 86% of the plastic waste in this area was attributed to offshore fishing and aquaculture activities, with the majority of the fishing gear originating from the US, China, Japan, and Korea. Abandoned fishing nets and gear make up a large portion of the plastic in the ocean, and the microfibers shed from these synthetic materials further contribute to the problem.

Poor waste management is a key reason plastic ends up in the sea

The amount of plastic in the ocean is difficult to quantify as it comes in many forms, from giant fishing nets to tiny nanoplastic particles. However, it is estimated that there are about 50-75 trillion pieces of plastic and microplastics in the ocean, with 358 trillion microplastic particles floating on the surface. This number is said to double every six years, and scientists predict that there will be more plastic in the ocean than fish by 2050.

Poor waste management is a key reason why plastic ends up in the sea. Most plastic emissions come from middle-income countries with growing plastic usage and inadequate waste management systems. In addition, the improper disposal of plastic waste, such as littering and illegal dumping, contributes significantly to the plastic surge in our oceans. Plastic is often blown away during transport to landfills and can enter rivers and the sea through drains and waterways.

Rivers are a significant pathway for plastic to reach the ocean. During storms and heavy rain events, the amount of plastic entering waterways can increase tenfold as trash is washed into rivers that eventually flow into the sea. Coastal cities in middle-income countries are hotspots for plastic emissions due to their proximity to these waterways.

Furthermore, the majority of ocean-bound plastic originates on land, with over 80% coming from Asia. However, it is important to note that many European countries also ship their plastic waste to Asia. The fishing industry is another significant contributor, with an estimated 10% of ocean waste consisting of abandoned fishing gear, such as nets, traps, and lines.

To address the issue of plastic in our oceans, it is crucial to focus on proper waste management and reducing plastic usage and disposal. Local and global organizations are working to clean up our oceans and rivers, and international resolutions, such as the UNEA-5.2 resolution, have been adopted to address plastic pollution.

Microplastics are tiny plastic pieces, often from larger items breaking down

Microplastics are small plastic pieces or fibres that are smaller than 5mm in size. They are often the result of larger plastic items breaking down into smaller pieces over time. This process can occur through general wear and tear, or when larger plastic items are exposed to natural elements such as wind, storms, rain, and sunlight.

Microplastics can also be intentionally designed to be small, such as microbeads found in health, beauty, and personal care products. These microbeads are manufactured from polyethylene plastic and are added as exfoliants. They easily pass through water filtration systems and end up in oceans and lakes, posing a threat to aquatic life.

The breakdown of larger plastic items into microplastics is a significant contributor to plastic pollution in the ocean. About 8 to 10 million metric tons of plastic end up in the ocean each year, with plastic making up around 80% of all marine litter. The majority of this plastic pollution comes from land, flowing downstream through rivers and eventually reaching the sea. Once in the ocean, plastic items can further break down into microplastics.

The impact of microplastics on marine ecosystems is devastating. They can be ingested by wildlife, from plankton to top-tier predators, and can also absorb harmful pollutants like pesticides and dyes, further exacerbating their toxic effects. Microplastics have been found in protected areas, sea ice in the Arctic, and even on the ocean floor, demonstrating their widespread presence and persistence in the environment.

To address the issue of microplastics in the ocean, a shift away from single-use plastic products is essential. Reducing plastic production and increasing recycling efforts are crucial steps in decreasing the amount of plastic that ends up in the ocean and breaks down into microplastics. Beach clean-up efforts can also help remove larger pieces of plastic before they have a chance to break down further. Additionally, supporting policies aimed at reducing microfiber pollution, such as requiring microfiber filters on washing machines, can help mitigate the release of microplastics into aquatic environments.

Marine ecosystems are harmed by plastic ingestion and entanglement

While it is challenging to determine the exact amount of plastic in the ocean, scientists estimate that about 8 million metric tons of plastic entered the ocean in 2010. This problem has continued to grow, with around 80% of all plastic originating on land due to poor waste management. As a result, plastic pollution has severely impacted marine ecosystems through plastic ingestion and entanglement.

Plastic ingestion occurs when marine animals mistake plastic debris for food. This mistake is particularly common among seabirds and turtles. For instance, leatherback turtles often consume plastic bags, mistaking them for jellyfish, their primary food source. Similarly, fishing nets can resemble seaweed, a favourite food of turtles, leading to ingestion. When ingested, plastic creates a sense of fullness, causing starvation in turtles. Furthermore, microplastics, which are invisible to the naked eye, can be easily consumed by wildlife. These microplastics can absorb toxins, transferring them to the fatty tissues of organisms that ingest them. As these toxins bioaccumulate in the food chain, they can reach dangerously high concentrations in apex predators such as orcas, posing a significant threat to marine ecosystems.

Plastic entanglement poses another severe threat to marine life. Large items of plastic, such as discarded fishing nets, can trap and entangle various marine creatures, from blue whales to small crabs. This entanglement can lead to starvation, injury, and increased vulnerability to predators. Ghost fishing gear, in particular, is responsible for the deaths of approximately 300,000 whales, dolphins, and porpoises annually.

The impact of plastic pollution extends beyond the direct harm caused by ingestion and entanglement. Plastic debris can act as a vector for the introduction and distribution of invasive species, such as algae, which can lead to harmful algae blooms and the depletion of sensitive ecosystems like coral reefs. Additionally, microplastics have been found to accumulate in the biota of coastal and marine habitats, with potential ecological and socioeconomic consequences.

To address the issue of plastic pollution in marine ecosystems, it is essential to focus on prevention and mitigation strategies. This includes reducing plastic use, reusing and recycling plastic items, and participating in cleanup efforts to remove plastic debris from marine environments. By combining individual actions with global, regional, and national policies, we can work towards mitigating the harmful effects of plastic on marine ecosystems.

Reducing plastic use, reusing, and recycling can help tackle the issue

Plastic pollution is one of the greatest threats to ocean health, with an estimated 4 to 12 million metric tons of plastic entering the ocean each year. This is equivalent to the weight of nearly 90 aircraft carriers, and the problem is only getting worse. The plastic in our oceans comes from a variety of sources, including abandoned fishing gear, littering, and improper disposal of trash. It is important to reduce plastic use, reuse, and recycle to tackle this issue.

Reducing plastic use is the first step in tackling the issue of plastic in our oceans. Single-use plastics, such as plastic bags, bottles, and takeout containers, are a major contributor to ocean plastic pollution. By choosing reusable alternatives, such as cloth bags, water bottles, and containers, we can significantly reduce the amount of plastic waste that ends up in our oceans. It is also important to be mindful of the plastic items we use daily and to reduce our consumption of disposable and single-use plastic items.

Reusing plastic items is another way to help tackle the issue of plastic in our oceans. Instead of discarding unwanted plastic items that are still in good condition, we can sell or donate them for others to reuse. Reusable containers, water bottles, and bags can be used multiple times, reducing the need for single-use plastic alternatives.

Recycling plastic waste is crucial in keeping plastic out of our oceans. However, it is important to know which types of plastic are accepted by local recycling programs, as not all plastics are recyclable in all communities. Symbols on plastic bottles and containers can help identify the type of plastic and whether it is recyclable in your area. Properly recycling plastic bags, wrap, and film can also make a significant difference, as these items are often not accepted in household recycling bins but can be recycled at specific locations. Additionally, when possible, purchasing products made from recycled plastic materials can help reduce the demand for new plastic production.

Participating in or organizing cleanups of local beaches, waterways, or communities is a direct and rewarding way to fight ocean plastic pollution. Joining global movements, such as the Global Ocean Cleanup or the International Coastal Cleanup, can also have a significant impact on reducing plastic waste in our oceans.

By reducing plastic use, reusing, and recycling, we can help tackle the issue of plastic in our oceans and protect marine life from the harmful effects of plastic pollution. These small changes in our daily habits can have a significant impact on the health of our oceans and the planet.

Frequently asked questions