The Ocean's Plastic Runoff Problem: Quantifying The Damage

Plastic pollution in the ocean is one of the most pressing environmental issues we face today. It is estimated that 8 to 14 million metric tons of plastic enter our oceans each year, with plastic production expected to grow by 40% in the next decade. This plastic pollution comes from a variety of sources, including littering, improper waste management, and industrial fishing. The impact of plastic pollution on marine life is devastating, with plastic found in over 60% of seabirds and 100% of sea turtle species, often leading to life-threatening health issues. As plastic does not fully biodegrade, it persists in the ocean, breaking down into microplastics that can be ingested by marine animals, entering the food chain and causing disastrous consequences for our planet's health.

Sources of plastic entering oceans

Plastic in the ocean is a pressing issue, with about 8 million metric tons of plastic entering the ocean every year. It is a problem that affects marine life, the environment, and human health and economies.

There are a variety of sources of plastic entering the oceans, with most plastics coming from land-based sources. By weight, 70% to 80% of plastic is transported from land to sea via rivers or coastlines. Rivers are the primary pathways for plastic to enter the ocean, with over 1000 rivers accounting for 80% of global riverine plastic emissions into the ocean. The closer a river is to the ocean, the greater the chances of plastic reaching it. Coastal cities in middle-income countries are the world's plastic emissions hotspots.

The remaining 20% to 30% of plastic in the ocean comes from marine sources such as fishing nets, lines, ropes, and abandoned vessels. Abandoned fishing nets make up a large portion of the plastic in the ocean, and they, along with synthetic clothing, contribute to the problem of microplastics. Microplastics are small pieces of plastic that form when larger pieces break down, or they can be produced as small plastics such as microbeads found in personal care products. These microplastics can absorb harmful pollutants and later release them into the ocean.

Human activities on land contribute to the problem of plastic in the ocean. Intentional littering or improper disposal of trash can lead to plastic ending up in the ocean. People in high-income countries consume the most plastic, but effective waste management systems in these countries help keep plastic out of the natural environment.

To address the issue of plastic in the ocean, a global approach is needed to reduce plastic waste and improve waste management practices. This includes reducing plastic use, reusing and recycling plastic items, and participating in cleanup efforts to remove plastic from the ocean and prevent it from reaching there in the first place.

Impact of plastic on marine life

Humans produce over 400 million metric tons of plastic annually, and about 8 million metric tons of plastic are dumped in the ocean every year. This plastic pollution has impacted at least 267 species worldwide, including 86% of all sea turtle species, 44% of all seabird species, and 43% of all marine mammal species.

Plastic pollution has been observed to have direct and damaging effects on marine wildlife, from all kinds of fish to turtles, seals, crustaceans, microorganisms, and many other forms of life. The ingestion of plastic by marine animals can lead to slow and painful starvation, as their stomachs become filled with indigestible waste. It can also cause life-threatening problems, including reduced fitness, nutrient uptake, and feeding efficiency, all of which are vital for survival. For example, in a recent Mediterranean study, over 100 entangled or stranded loggerhead sea turtles had their stomachs examined for plastic debris, and almost half of them had consumed some type of plastic. One turtle had ingested a whopping 67 pieces of plastic!

Additionally, plastic entanglement can cause loss of limbs and, in some cases, death. None of the ocean's inhabitants are safe, from the largest whales to the smallest fish. Whales, for instance, accidentally gulp down balloons when feeding, and these can get lodged in their digestive tracts, inhibiting feeding. This can lead to the whale becoming too weak to surface or resulting in stranding, both of which are potentially fatal. Similarly, seabirds that feed on the ocean surface are especially prone to ingesting plastic debris that floats. Adults may inadvertently feed this plastic to their chicks, resulting in detrimental effects on their growth and survival. One study found that approximately 98% of chicks sampled contained plastic, and the quantity of ingested plastic was increasing over time.

The presence of plastic in the ocean is a persistent issue as plastic does not fully biodegrade or decompose. Instead, as plastic is tossed around in the ocean, it breaks down into smaller pieces called microplastics, which are much more difficult to clean up. These microplastics can absorb harmful pollutants like pesticides, dyes, and flame retardants, later releasing them into the ocean. They can also accumulate pollutants and transport them through ocean currents. Furthermore, during storms and heavy rain events, plastic emissions can increase significantly as trash is washed into waterways, increasing the amount of plastic entering the ocean.

Plastic waste management

Reduce Plastic Usage

The first step in plastic waste management is to reduce plastic consumption. Individuals can play a significant role by becoming more aware of their plastic usage and committing to changing their habits. This includes reducing the use of disposable and single-use plastic items, reusing and recycling plastic products whenever possible, and participating in community clean-up initiatives.

Improve Waste Management Systems

Many countries lack adequate waste management systems to handle the large volume of plastic waste they generate or import. It is essential for nations to strengthen their waste management infrastructure and work towards a circular economy. This involves implementing controlled disposal services, improving waste collection systems, and promoting recycling and proper plastic waste disposal.

International Cooperation and Policies

International cooperation and agreements are vital in addressing plastic pollution. The Basel Convention, for instance, is a key international instrument that regulates the transboundary movement of hazardous wastes, including plastic waste. Additionally, organizations like the Ocean Conservancy work globally to unite various sectors, governments, and stakeholders to stop plastic pollution at its source.

Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) and Deposit Return Systems (DRS)

Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) and Deposit Return Systems (DRS) are policy levers that can be leveraged to develop effective national action plans. EPR shifts the responsibility for the environmental impact of plastic products to the producers, encouraging them to reduce the harmful waste generated. DRS, on the other hand, incentivizes the return and recycling of plastic products, reducing the amount of plastic waste that ends up in the environment.

Address Microplastics

Microplastics, formed from larger plastic items breaking down or produced as small plastics, are challenging to clean up due to their tiny size. They can absorb harmful pollutants and impact various species, including marine life and humans. Preventing plastics from reaching waterways and breaking down into microplastics is crucial.

Support Developing Economies

Countries with rapidly growing economies and increasing disposable plastic usage require support in developing fundamental waste collection and management systems. This mid-term solution is a critical step towards building a long-term circular economy and addressing the global issue of plastic pollution.

In conclusion, plastic waste management requires a multi-faceted approach involving individuals, communities, governments, and international organizations. By combining reduced plastic usage, improved waste management systems, global cooperation, and targeted policies, we can make significant progress in tackling plastic pollution in our oceans.

Reducing plastic usage

Plastic pollution is one of the greatest threats to ocean health, with an estimated 8 million metric tons of plastic dumped in the ocean each year. This plastic comes from a variety of land and ocean-based sources and impacts not just marine life but also human health and economies.

To reduce plastic usage and its harmful effects on the oceans, here are some strategies to consider:

Reduce Plastic Consumption

The first step is to become more aware of your plastic usage. Think about the plastic items you use daily and look for alternatives. Commit to reducing your consumption of disposable and single-use plastic items. Refuse any single-use plastics that you do not need, such as straws, plastic bags, takeout utensils, and containers. Instead, opt for reusable products such as water bottles, grocery bags, produce bags, utensils, and coffee cups. Carry these reusable items with you wherever you go.

Reuse and Recycle

In addition to refusing and reducing, reusing and recycling are crucial. Reuse items whenever possible, and recycle items that can be properly recycled. However, it's important to note that not all plastics can be recycled, and incorrect recycling practices can contaminate the process. Educate yourself on your local recycling guidelines to ensure proper disposal.

Support Waste Management Initiatives

Support organizations and initiatives that focus on waste management and collection, especially in areas with rapidly growing economies and increasing disposable plastic usage. Proper waste management is critical in preventing plastic from entering our oceans. Additionally, advocate for a unified recycling system to reduce confusion and increase recycling rates.

Participate in Cleanups

Join local cleanups or volunteer for organizations like Ocean Conservancy, which hosts the annual International Coastal Cleanup. By participating in cleanups, you can directly remove plastic and other marine debris from beaches and waterways, preventing them from entering the ocean.

Advocate for Policy Change

Use your voice to support policies and bans aimed at reducing single-use plastics. Sign petitions, endorse campaigns, and contact businesses and government officials to advocate for alternatives to single-use plastics. Political change often occurs as a result of public pressure, so your individual endorsement can make a significant impact.

Cleaning up plastic in oceans

While there are limited estimates of how much plastic runoff enters the ocean, it is estimated that 8 million metric tons of plastic are dumped in the ocean each year. This plastic comes from thousands of sources all over the world every day, with plastic usage and waste management infrastructures varying across the globe.

The Ocean Cleanup, a Dutch nonprofit, is one of the most high-profile organizations attempting to clean up the oceans. It has set a goal to remove 90% of floating plastic pollution in the ocean by 2040. The Ocean Cleanup's system consists of a large floating net-like barrier that forms a large U shape and is slowly towed by two ships. The natural flow caused by the movement directs plastic to the central retention zone. Once a week, the two vessels come together to close the barriers, collect the retention zone, and empty the plastic onto one of their decks. The plastic is then separated into different recycling streams, packaged, and sent to recycling facilities onshore.

The Ocean Cleanup also has river cleanup technology called Interceptors, solar-powered catamaran-like vessels that are put into the mouth of polluted rivers. As the water flows, a barrier guides the trash onto the Interceptor’s conveyor belt, which dumps it into a shuttle that carries the trash to dumpsters on a barge. The trash is then sent to a waste management facility.

The Ocean Conservancy is another organization committed to cleaning up the oceans. For more than 35 years, it has brought together more than 17 million volunteers from over 150 countries to participate in its annual International Coastal Cleanup. During this time, volunteers have picked up more than 348 million pounds of trash from the world’s beaches.

To prevent plastic from entering the ocean in the first place, it is important to reduce plastic use, reuse and recycle plastic items, and participate in cleanup efforts.

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