Taking Action Against Marine Plastic Pollution
The world's oceans are a vital natural resource, providing us with an array of goods and services, from food and raw materials to recreation and tourism. Unfortunately, our oceans are also being threatened by one of the most pervasive forms of pollution: marine Plastic pollution. Marine plastic pollution is a growing global problem that has devastating effects on the health of our oceans, wildlife, and ecosystems. Plastic particles in the ocean can be mistaken for food by marine life leading to malnutrition, injury or even death. In addition to this, plastic pollution can damage coral reefs, clog waterways and create long-term environmental damage.
Plastic pollution not only threatens food safety and quality but also human health as well as coastal tourism while contributing to climate change. To address this issue there is an urgent need to explore ways in which we can take action against marine plastic pollution. Goal 14 of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals focuses on conserving and sustainably using the oceans, seas and marine resources for healthy oceans which are essential for human existence on Earth as well as life itself.
There are several ways we can help protect our ocean from further harm such as conserving water; reducing Pollutants; reducing waste; shopping wisely; reducing vehicle emissions; using less energy when possible; fishing responsibly; avoiding single-use plastics such as straws or bags etc.; participating in beach cleanups or other volunteer activities related to ocean conservation efforts; supporting organizations that work towards protecting our ocean environment etc.. Additionally sewage released into the sea contributes significantly towards ocean pollution along with plastic products while debris transported into the sea both small or large items contribute significantly towards its degradation too.
It is important that we take action now before it’s too late so that future generations will be able to enjoy all that our beautiful planet has to offer including its incredible natural resources like its vast oceans!
The Causes of Marine Plastic Pollution
The causes of marine plastic pollution are numerous and complex, with human activities being the main source. Littering, improper waste management, industrial discharges, and ships and boats all contribute to the amount of plastic entering the ocean. Additionally, microplasticization occurs when larger pieces of plastic are broken down into smaller particles due to exposure to sunlight and waves. This can lead to marine life mistaking these particles for food. Land-based sources such as urban runoff, stormwater runoff, sewer overflows, littering and inadequate waste management are major contributors to oceanic plastic pollution. Sewage is also a source of ocean pollution due to intentional release as well as plastic products that end up in the waterway. Studies have found that several million tons of debris enter the world's oceans every year with much of it being improperly discarded plastics. Furthermore, persistent organic pollutants in the marine environment attach themselves onto floating plastics which can be detrimental for aquatic life if ingested or absorbed through their skin or gills.
The Effects of Marine Plastic Pollution
The effects of marine plastic pollution are far-reaching and devastating. Marine wildlife, including birds, turtles, and fish, are particularly vulnerable to this type of pollution. Thousands of seabirds and sea turtles, seals and other marine mammals die each year due to ingestion or entanglement in plastic debris. Fish, seabirds, sea turtles, and marine mammals can become entangled in or ingest plastic debris which can lead to suffocation, starvation or drowning. Plastic particles can also be mistaken for food by these animals leading to malnutrition and death. In addition to the direct impact on wildlife populations from ingestion or entanglement in plastics debris there is also an indirect effect on the food chain as it reduces the amount of food available for animals higher up in the chain.
Coral reefs are also affected by plastic pollution as it clogs waterways reducing light and oxygen available for aquatic life while interfering with migration patterns of some species of fish. A recent study found that 90 percent of seabirds have ingested some form of plastic waste while at least 700 species have been impacted by this type of pollution including whales dolphins seals fish birds and turtles. Cetaceans have even been sighted within areas where large amounts of plastics accumulate leading researchers to believe that they may be attracted to these areas due to their resemblance with prey items such as jellyfish or squid which they feed on naturally.
Plastic contamination has a direct effect on wildlife populations but it can also cause toxic contamination when chemicals leach out from the plastics into surrounding waters affecting both aquatic life forms as well as those living further up the food chain such as humans who consume seafood contaminated with these toxins from plastics waste entering our oceans every day . It is clear that action must be taken against marine plastic pollution if we want our oceans remain healthy ecosystems full off diverse life forms now and into future generations .
Taking Action Against Marine Plastic Pollution
Taking action against marine plastic pollution is essential to protect the health of our oceans and the species that inhabit them. Individuals can reduce their own plastic use and dispose of it properly, or switch to more sustainable alternatives. Communities can work together to implement better waste management systems, such as recycling and composting, and raise awareness about the issue of plastic pollution. Governments can also take steps to reduce the amount of plastic entering the ocean from land-based sources, ships, and aquaculture operations. In addition to these measures, there are a number of initiatives underway to clean up existing plastics in the ocean such as beach clean-ups, ocean-cleaning technologies, and biodegradable plastics.
The impacts of marine plastic pollution are far reaching; it threatens ocean health as well as food security for millions around the world who rely on seafood for sustenance. Research has found that a system change scenario could reduce annual flow into oceans by 80% by 2040 with taxes on pollution being one way governments could help mitigate this environmental crisis. Other measures include establishing an ocean fund which would help finance projects aimed at reducing marine debris or developing biodegradable plastics which would break down naturally in water instead of accumulating in our oceans over time.
Plastic pollution affects more than 800 animal species including birds, sea turtles whales seabirds fish coral reefs and countless other marine species habitats making it important for us all to take action against this global problem before it’s too late . The people around us need to be aware that single-use plastics are not only damaging our environment but also endangering wildlife . We must all do our part by reducing our own personal use , disposing properly , switching out unsustainable alternatives , implementing better waste management systems like recycling composting etc . Governments should also step up with stricter regulations on land based sources ships aquaculture operations etc .
Initiatives like beach clean ups , development of biodegradable plastics , using ocean cleaning technologies etc will go a long way towards cleaning up existing pollutants from our oceans . It is essential we take action now if we want future generations enjoy healthy seas full life without worrying about its destruction due human activities .
Conclusion
The conclusion of this article is clear: marine plastic pollution is a serious and growing problem that requires immediate action. Individuals, communities, and governments must all take responsibility for reducing the amount of plastic entering the ocean and cleaning up existing plastics. The impacts of marine plastic pollution are far-reaching, with hundreds of species suffering from ingestion, suffocation, entanglement, and other forms of injury or death. Additionally, plastic waste can encourage the growth of pathogens in the ocean which can have devastating effects on coral reefs. Plastic pollution leakage into aquatic ecosystems has grown sharply in recent years and is projected to more than double by 2030 if no action is taken. Marine debris has polluted our oceans and Great Lakes throughout their entire depths; thousands of seabirds and sea turtles are killed each year due to ingestion or entanglement with plastics. It is essential that we take action now to reduce marine plastic pollution before it becomes an even greater threat to our environment.
