The Ocean's Plastic Trash: An Environmental Disaster

Plastic pollution in the ocean is a pressing issue that has captured the attention of the world. The vastness of the ocean is now marred by plastic waste, which has been found in every corner, from the deepest trenches to the Arctic ice sheets. While the exact amount of plastic in the ocean is uncertain, it is estimated that 75 to 199 million tons of plastic waste are currently polluting our oceans, with 11 million metric tons of mismanaged plastic ending up in the ocean each year. This plastic waste includes single-use items such as plastic bags, bottles, and food packaging, as well as abandoned fishing gear, which wreaks havoc on marine wildlife. The impact of this pollution is devastating, with 100 million marine animals dying annually due to plastic waste, and microplastics being found in human blood.

Plastic waste makes up 80% of marine pollution

Plastic waste is a significant issue for our oceans, with plastic making up 80% of marine pollution. It is a crisis, with plastic found in every corner of the ocean, from the deepest trenches to the Arctic ice sheets.

The amount of plastic in the ocean is hard to measure exactly, but it is estimated that 171 trillion pieces of plastic are floating on the ocean's surface. This is a conservative estimate as it does not include plastic that has sunk below the surface. The amount of plastic in the ocean is growing, with around 8-10 million metric tons of plastic waste entering the ocean each year.

Plastic waste comes from a variety of sources. A large proportion of plastic waste comes from littering and the improper disposal of trash. Rain and wind can sweep debris into nearby water bodies, and streams and storm drains can carry debris directly into the ocean. Single-use plastic items, such as water bottles, takeout containers, and plastic bags, are a major contributor to plastic waste in the ocean as they are designed to be thrown away and are often not properly disposed of or recycled.

Another significant source of plastic waste in the ocean is abandoned, lost, or discarded fishing gear, often referred to as "ghost gear." This gear is largely made of plastic and can wreak havoc on ocean wildlife indefinitely. Microplastics are also a significant contributor to plastic waste in the ocean. They can come from large plastics breaking down or can be produced as small plastics such as microbeads found in personal care products. These microplastics can absorb harmful pollutants and release them into the ocean.

The impact of plastic waste on marine life is devastating. It has been found in the guts of sea turtles, whales, and seabirds, and nearly 1,300 marine species have been documented with plastic in their bodies. Plastic waste can also transport invasive species, threatening marine ecosystems, biodiversity, and the food web. It is estimated that by 2050, plastic will outweigh all the fish in the sea if current trends continue.

Addressing the issue of plastic waste in the ocean requires a multi-pronged approach. It is essential to reduce plastic use, improve recycling facilities, and better manage waste. Supporting legislation that aims to reduce plastic use and production, as well as supporting organizations working to remove plastic from the ocean, are also crucial steps in combating this issue.

Mismanaged waste is a source of ocean plastic pollution

Mismanaged waste is a significant source of ocean plastic pollution. Mismanaged waste refers to plastic waste that is not recycled, incinerated, or stored in secure landfills. It is vulnerable to polluting the environment, as it can easily enter waterways and make its way to the ocean. This is a global issue, with plastic leaking into the ocean from thousands of sources worldwide every day.

The amount of plastic waste that is mismanaged varies across the world. Middle-income countries, particularly in Asia, are major contributors to ocean plastic pollution due to a lack of adequate waste management systems. In contrast, high-income countries often have effective waste management systems that keep plastic out of the natural environment, despite higher consumption rates. However, it is important to note that even in high-income countries, only a small proportion of plastic is correctly disposed of.

The impact of mismanaged waste on ocean plastic pollution is significant. It is estimated that around 0.5% of the world's plastic waste ends up in the ocean, which equates to approximately 1-2 million metric tons of plastic entering our oceans annually. This plastic pollution affects wildlife and ecosystems, with nearly 1,300 different marine species documented to have plastics in their bodies. The economic costs of plastic in the ocean are also substantial, estimated to be between $6-19 billion USD annually.

The majority of plastic pollution in the ocean comes from disposable plastic items such as food wrappings, plastic bags, bottles, and razors. These single-use plastic items are designed to be thrown out, and when not disposed of properly, they end up in waterways and eventually in the ocean. Additionally, microplastics, which can come from larger plastics breaking down or be produced as small plastics such as microbeads, contribute significantly to ocean plastic pollution. Abandoned, lost, or discarded fishing gear, often made of plastic, is another major source of ocean plastic pollution.

To address the issue of mismanaged waste as a source of ocean plastic pollution, it is essential to improve waste management practices globally, especially in lower- and middle-income countries. This includes reducing plastic use, increasing recycling rates, and supporting legislation that aims to reduce plastic production and improve waste management infrastructure. By deepening our knowledge of the effects of plastic pollution and implementing better policies, we can work towards a future where cleanup is no longer necessary.

Abandoned fishing nets are a large contributor

The amount of plastic waste in the ocean is difficult to determine, with estimates ranging from 1 million to 171 trillion pieces of plastic. However, it is clear that plastic pollution in the ocean is a significant issue, with plastic being found in every corner of the ocean, from the deepest trenches to the Arctic ice sheets. Sea turtles, whales, and seabirds are frequently discovered with plastics in their guts, and nearly 1,300 different marine species have been documented with plastics in their bodies.

The impact of abandoned fishing nets on marine life is devastating. It is estimated that 30% of the decline in some fish populations is due to discarded fishing equipment, and more than 70% of marine animal entanglements involve abandoned plastic fishing nets. Sea turtles are particularly affected, as the nets can wash up on their nesting beaches, trapping mother turtles and preventing their babies from reaching the sea once they hatch.

Efforts are being made to address the problem of abandoned fishing nets. Organizations like Sea Shepherd and Enaleia are working to remove ghost nets from the ocean and promote a circular approach to fishing gear. Enaleia, for example, has collected a total of 770 tonnes of plastic and is working with fishers and companies in Greece to implement more sustainable practices. By training fishing communities to collect and recycle their used fishing equipment, Enaleia is helping to prevent ghost nets from entering the ocean in the first place.

To truly tackle the issue of plastic pollution in the ocean, a multi-faceted approach is needed. While it is important to focus on reducing, recycling, and properly disposing of plastic waste, it is also crucial to address the role of the fishing industry in contributing to this problem. By working together, organizations, governments, and the fishing industry can help to reduce the amount of plastic, and specifically abandoned fishing nets, that end up in our oceans.

Microplastics are a result of larger plastics breaking down

Plastics are very resistant to degradation under natural conditions. The degradation of plastics in marine environments takes several hundred years. This process is driven by a combination of sunlight, air (oxygen), heat, and moisture. As plastic degrades, it becomes brittle and breaks down into smaller particles, which are known as microplastics.

Microplastics are small pieces of plastic debris smaller than 5mm in size. They are the result of larger plastics breaking down through natural weathering processes. Microplastics have become widespread pollutants and have been detected in mussels and fish around the world. They can be harmful to marine life, causing changes in feeding and reproductive behaviour, as well as increased mortality. Their toxic effects are due to the release of harmful compounds from the plastic material and the absorption of pollutants on their surfaces.

Microplastics can come from a variety of sources, including abandoned fishing nets, synthetic clothing, and single-use plastic products such as bottles, bags, and packaging. These larger plastic items break down over time due to exposure to sunlight, heat, and the action of water, sand, and microorganisms. As they break down, they become smaller and smaller, eventually reaching the micro and nano-scale.

The amount of plastic waste entering the oceans is difficult to estimate, but it is a significant problem. While early studies estimated that 8 million tonnes of plastic entered the ocean in 2010, more recent research suggests the figure is between 1 million and 1.7 million tonnes per year. This plastic pollution has been found in every corner of the ocean, from the deepest trenches to remote Arctic ice sheets. It is clear that microplastics are now an integral part of the natural world, and their potential impacts on ecosystems and human health are concerning.

Plastic pollution is a major cause of marine species extinction

Plastic pollution is a pressing issue that poses a significant threat to marine life and ecosystems. While the exact amount of plastic in the oceans remains uncertain, estimates indicate that millions of tons of plastic waste enter the oceans annually, with plastic debris found in every corner of the ocean, from the deepest trenches to remote Arctic ice sheets. This plastic pollution has dire consequences for marine species, contributing to the extinction of various marine organisms.

One of the primary ways plastic pollution leads to marine species extinction is through ingestion. Marine creatures, including fish, seabirds, sea turtles, and marine mammals, often mistake plastic debris for food. Small plastic fragments can float on the water surface, deceiving seabirds and other species into consuming them. Additionally, due to their feeding mechanisms, molluscs like mussels and oysters inadvertently ingest microplastics when filtering seawater. A recent study revealed that plastic ingestion has been observed in over 1,300 different marine species, with microplastics detected in their bodies.

The ingestion of plastic has severe health implications for marine life, leading to internal injuries, intestinal damage, and even death. Sea turtles, for instance, may choke on plastic or suffer internal injuries. Moreover, plastic ingestion can induce a false sense of fullness, causing malnutrition and starvation. A study on sea turtles found that ingesting just 14 pieces of plastic significantly increased their risk of death. Young sea turtles are particularly vulnerable as they tend to drift with ocean currents, similar to floating plastic debris.

Beyond ingestion, marine species also face the threat of entanglement in plastic debris, which can restrict their movement, cause injuries, and make them more vulnerable to predators. Large plastic items, such as discarded fishing nets, can ensnare and trap marine mammals and fish, leading to starvation and increased susceptibility to injuries. Abandoned fishing nets can also smother and damage coral reefs, disrupting their healthy growth.

The impact of plastic pollution extends beyond the immediate harm caused by ingestion or entanglement. Plastic debris acts as a sponge for toxic chemicals, adsorbing up to one million times more toxins than the surrounding water. These toxins can bioaccumulate in the fatty tissues of animals, leading to biomagnification as they move up the food chain. Apex predators, such as orcas and great white sharks, are at a heightened risk of toxic contamination due to this phenomenon.

The pervasive presence of plastic pollution in marine environments poses a significant threat to the survival and biodiversity of marine species. It is imperative to address this issue by reducing plastic waste, improving waste management practices, and advocating for stronger regulations to curb the irresponsible use and disposal of plastics.

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