Maya Ellison
Marine debris is a pressing global issue that poses a threat to wildlife, human health and safety, and the economy. While marine debris includes any man-made item that ends up in the ocean, plastic waste constitutes a significant portion, with estimates ranging from 75% to 80% of all marine debris. This plastic pollution comes from a variety of sources, including littering, industrial discharges, and improper waste management, and has severe ecological, economic, and health consequences. The impact of plastic pollution in the oceans is far-reaching, with marine animals suffering from entanglement and ingestion of plastic, and the breakdown of plastic into microplastics and nanoplastics contaminating the food chain and affecting both marine life and humans.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Percentage of marine debris that is plastic | 80% |
| Amount of plastic that ends up in oceans every year | 8 million tons |
| Number of pieces of plastic in the ocean | 5.25 trillion |
| Number of pieces of plastic in the Great Pacific Garbage Patch | 1.8 trillion |
| Percentage of plastic in the Great Pacific Garbage Patch that comes from fishing | 75% to 86% |
| Percentage of plastic debris that causes entanglement or ingestion in marine animals | 80% |
| Number of marine mammals killed by plastic pollution every year | 100,000 |
| Number of seabirds killed by plastic pollution every year | 1 million |
| Percentage of plastic that floats in the water | 1% |
| Percentage of plastic that has sunk to the seafloor | 94% |
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What You'll Learn
Plastic makes up 80% of marine debris
Plastic is a relatively new invention, having been introduced in the early 20th century. However, its production has increased exponentially, from 2 million tonnes per year in 1950 to 460 million metric tons in 2019. That’s a combined 9.5 billion metric tons of plastic from 1950 to 2019, of which approximately 7 billion metric tons have already become waste.
The ocean is one of the primary destinations for this waste. Marine debris is a global pollution problem that impacts human health and safety, endangers wildlife and aquatic habitats, and costs local and national economies millions in cleanup costs, wasted resources, and lost revenues. It is believed that at least 8 million tons of plastic end up in our oceans every year, and make up 80% of all marine debris from surface waters to deep-sea sediments.
The North Pacific, for example, is home to a gyre, a slowly swirling whirlpool of ocean currents that collects plastic debris. Estimates measure it at twice the size of France. The Great Pacific Garbage Patch, as it is known, is largely composed of fishing-related plastic waste, with 75-86% of all plastic waste identified as coming from offshore fishing activity.
The impact of this plastic waste on marine life is devastating. Seabirds are especially vulnerable to plastic pollution; a recent study found plastic in 90% of seabirds. Plastic ingestion leads to loss of nutrition, internal injury, intestinal blockage, starvation, and death in wildlife. Marine animals also face the risk of entanglement in plastic debris, which can hamper their mobility and cause injury.
The problem of plastic waste in the ocean is a pressing issue that requires urgent attention and action. It is essential to address the root causes of plastic pollution and improve waste management systems to prevent further harm to the environment and marine life.
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Plastic waste is often microscopic
Plastic waste is a major component of marine debris, accounting for 80% of all studied marine debris. It is estimated that at least 8 million tons of plastic end up in the oceans annually, with plastic debris accumulating in certain areas, such as the "Great Pacific Garbage Patch". This plastic pollution has severe ecological, economic, and health impacts.
The majority of plastic waste in the ocean is microscopic, making it nearly impossible to retrieve. Over time, plastic breaks down into smaller and smaller pieces called microplastics and nanoplastics, which persist in the environment and cause a range of issues. These microplastics can be as small as one-fifth of an inch across and are spread throughout the water column, found everywhere from Mount Everest to the Mariana Trench. They are even present in the seafood we consume and have been detected in human blood and placentas.
Microfibers, a type of microplastic, make up the majority of microplastics in the marine environment. They can come from sources such as synthetic fabrics like polyester and nylon. These microfibers can be ingested by marine life, leading to health issues and mortality. Seabirds are particularly vulnerable, with plastic found in 90% of them. Additionally, microplastics can contaminate our food supply, with studies finding them in 90% of commonly consumed protein samples.
The presence of microplastics in the environment and our food supply has raised concerns about their potential health impacts. Several chemicals used in plastic production are known to be carcinogenic and can cause developmental, reproductive, neurological, and immune disorders. The incineration of plastic waste releases toxic fumes and pollutants, posing risks to nearby residents and contributing to air pollution.
The ubiquity of plastic waste and its microscopic nature present significant challenges in addressing marine debris. While mechanical systems can be effective at collecting large pieces of plastic from inland waters, once plastics break down into microplastics, they become extremely difficult to recover. The best approach is to prevent plastics from entering waterways through improved waste management, recycling, better product design, and a reduction in single-use plastic manufacturing.
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Marine animals are harmed by plastic
Marine debris is a pressing issue, with 80% of all studied marine debris composed of plastic. The ocean is filling up with plastic garbage, with an estimated 8 to 10 million tons entering the ocean each year. Marine animals are harmed by plastic in a variety of ways, from entanglement to ingestion and toxic contamination.
Marine animals, such as fish, dolphins, seabirds, seals, and more, face fatal consequences due to plastic pollution. One of the primary dangers is entanglement in plastic debris, which can include discarded fishing nets, six-pack rings, or other plastic items. These entanglements can restrict the movement of marine creatures, making it difficult for them to escape predators or find food. In some cases, the plastic can cut deep into their skin, leading to severe injuries and increasing their vulnerability to infections.
Ingestion of plastic is another significant threat to marine animals. Seabirds, in particular, are highly vulnerable, with plastic found in 90% of them. Mistaking plastic for food, they consume items such as bottle caps, balloons, and cigarette lighters, leading to internal injuries, intestinal blockages, and starvation. This issue is not limited to seabirds; whales, dolphins, and other marine mammals also ingest plastic, causing severe health issues and even death. For example, a juvenile sperm whale was found dead on a beach in Spain, its digestive tract containing nearly 30 kilograms of plastic, resulting in fatal inflammation.
Additionally, the presence of microplastics in the ocean poses a significant threat to marine life. These tiny plastic particles, invisible to the naked eye, can be ingested by marine animals and absorb toxins. As these toxins accumulate in the fatty tissues of the organisms, they can lead to toxic contamination and bioaccumulation in the food chain. This is particularly harmful to apex predators such as great white sharks and orcas, as the concentration of toxins increases as you move up the food chain.
The impact of plastic pollution on marine animals extends beyond the individual creatures affected. For example, discarded fishing nets can smother and damage coral reefs, disrupting the delicate marine ecosystem and harming various species that depend on healthy coral reefs for survival. Furthermore, the toxins released from plastic pollution can contaminate the water, affecting the health of marine animals and even humans who consume seafood.
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Plastic production has grown since 1950
Plastic pollution is a pressing issue, with an estimated 8 million tons of plastic entering our oceans every year, constituting 80% of all marine debris. Marine life, including seabirds, marine mammals, and fish, are adversely affected, with plastic ingestion leading to severe health issues and even death.
Plastic production has indeed grown exponentially since the 1950s, marking a period of rapid global expansion. Over the subsequent seven decades, annual plastic production increased by nearly 230 times, reaching 460 million tons in 2019. This trend shows no signs of abating, with global production doubling in the last two decades.
The longevity and durability of plastic contribute to its environmental impact. Plastic items can persist in the marine environment for up to 450 years, slowly fragmenting into smaller pieces known as microplastics and nanoplastics. These microscopic particles are challenging to retrieve once in the ocean and can be ingested by marine life, causing blockages and malnutrition.
The recycling and management of plastic waste are crucial in addressing this issue. Currently, about one-fifth to a quarter of plastic waste is mismanaged, ending up in the environment instead of being recycled, incinerated, or properly disposed of. This mismanagement disproportionately affects marginalized communities, exposing them to health risks and endangering their livelihoods.
While some regions, like Europe and China, have higher recycling rates, the overall recycling rate of commonly used plastics remains low, at only 9%. As a result, the vast majority of plastic waste generated since the 1950s is still present in landfills, oceans, and natural environments, contributing to the growing pollution problem.
To effectively tackle plastic pollution, a two-pronged approach is necessary. Firstly, there needs to be a focus on improving waste management practices, especially in low-to-middle-income countries, through domestic policies and foreign investments. Secondly, it is essential to reduce the use of single-use and unnecessary plastics, as even halving our plastic consumption would significantly decrease the amount of plastic entering our oceans.
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Marine debris is a global problem
Plastic is a major contributor to marine debris, with up to 80% of all studied marine debris being plastic. Plastic pollution has severe impacts on the environment and human rights. It affects marine life through entanglement and ingestion, with more than 100,000 marine mammals and 1 million seabirds killed by marine plastic pollution every year. Seabirds are especially vulnerable, with plastic found in 90% of them. Plastic ingestion leads to loss of nutrition, internal injury, intestinal blockage, starvation, and death. In addition, microplastics and nanoplastics have found their way into the food chain, from marine life to humans, causing an array of health issues.
The sources of plastic marine debris are diverse. While the fishing industry is a major contributor, with lost fishing gear accounting for about 20% of all marine plastic, plastic pollution also comes from litter, industrial discharges, and improper waste management. The sheer amount of plastic produced has overwhelmed waste management systems, leading to plastic escaping into the oceans.
The Great Pacific Garbage Patch, an enormous area of high plastic litter concentration, is a notable example of the global plastic pollution problem. It is made up of all kinds of marine debris and contains 1.8 trillion pieces of plastic, covering an area twice the size of Texas. California has introduced a law to hold plastic packaging producers and vendors responsible for waste, aiming to curb ocean plastic pollution.
Addressing plastic pollution requires a multifaceted approach. While cleanup efforts are important, the focus should be on upstream solutions, such as reducing single-use plastic, improving waste management, and holding industries accountable for their plastic waste. By targeting the causes of plastic pollution, we can work towards a cleaner and healthier marine environment.
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Frequently asked questions
It is estimated that 80% of all studied marine debris is plastic.
There are 5.25 trillion pieces of plastic debris in the ocean. Of that mass, 269,000 tons float on the surface, while 94% has sunk to the seafloor.
The Great Pacific Garbage Patch (GPGP) is an enormous area of the ocean where high concentrations of litter accumulate. It is largely composed of fishing-related plastic waste, with 75-86% of plastic waste in the GPGP identified as coming from offshore fishing activity.
Plastic in the ocean has many harmful effects on marine life. Marine animals can become entangled in plastic debris or mistake it for food, which can lead to internal injury, intestinal blockage, starvation, and death. Plastic pollution also impacts human health, with people ingesting toxic microplastics and nanoplastics.
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