how to end an essay about ocean pollution

7 Solutions To Ocean Plastic Pollution

February 24, 2023 • Blue Habits Tips , Resources

Plastic pollution is one of the greatest threats to ocean health worldwide. But, there are many solutions to plastic pollution that you can participate in today. This article covers some of the basic facts about ocean plastic pollution and provides several specific plastic pollution solutions that everyone can take part in.

The Ocean Plastic Pollution Problem

With skyrocketing plastic production, low levels of recycling, and poor waste management , between 4 and 12 million metric tons of plastic enter the ocean each year—enough to cover every foot of coastline on the planet! And that amount is projected to triple in the next 20 years. Let that sink in for a moment.

In the ocean, plastic pollution impacts sea turtles , whales , seabirds , fish , coral reefs , and countless other marine species and habitats. In fact, scientists estimate that more than half of the world’s sea turtles and nearly every seabird on Earth have eaten plastic in their lifetimes. Plastic pollution also mars otherwise beautiful beaches, coastlines, and snorkel and dive sites worldwide, even in remote areas such as Midway Atoll .

A sea turtle mistakes a plastic bag for food. © Ben J. Hicks / benjhicks.com

One of the reasons that plastic pollution is such a problem is that it doesn’t go away: “plastics are forever.” Instead, plastic debris simply breaks down into ever-smaller particles, known as microplastics , whose environmental impacts are still being determined.

Plastic Pollution Solutions: 7 Things You Can Do Today

Everyone can do something to help solve the plastic pollution problem, and millions of people worldwide are already taking action to reduce their plastic use . Here are seven ways you can make a difference, starting today.

1. Reduce Your Use of Single-Use Plastics

Wherever you live, the easiest and most direct way that you can get started is by reducing your own use of single-use plastics. Single-use plastics include plastic bags, water bottles, straws, cups, utensils, dry cleaning bags, take-out containers, and any other plastic items that are used once and then discarded.

The best way to do this is by a) refusing any single-use plastics that you do not need (e.g. straws, plastic bags, takeout utensils, takeout containers), and b) purchasing, and carrying with you, reusable versions of those products, including reusable grocery bags , produce bags , bottles , utensils , coffee cups , and dry cleaning garment bags . And when you refuse single-use plastic items, help businesses by letting them know that you would like them to offer alternatives.

2. Support Legislation to Curb Plastic Production and Waste

As important as it is to change our individual behaviors, such changes alone are insufficient to stop ocean plastic pollution. We also need legislation that reduces plastic production, improves waste management, and makes plastic producers responsible for the waste they generate. There are a variety of ways that you can support local, national, and international legislation that provide critical solutions to reduce plastic pollution. One such effort in the United States is the 2021 Break Free From Plastic Pollution Act , a comprehensive federal bill that aims to address the plastic pollution crisis, and there are a number of state level initiatives to introduce extended producer responsibility (EPR) legislation that makes plastic producers and distributors responsible for their products and packaging at the end of life.

At the international level, hundreds of organizations and businesses successfully worked together with United Nations member states to enact a global plastics treaty , signed by 175 member states, that will set global rules and regulations to reduce plastic pollution. And legislation that limits, taxes, or bans unnecessary single use plastic items, such as plastic bags, takeout containers, and bottles, has been successfully enacted in many places globally, and you can support the adoption of such policies in your community too. Here is a comprehensive resource and toolkit on legislative approaches to limiting plastic bags, foodware, microplastics, and more.

3. Recycle Properly

This should go without saying, but when you use single-use (and other) plastics that can be recycled, always be sure to recycle them. At present, just 9% of plastic is recycled worldwide . Recycling helps keep plastics out of the ocean and reduces the amount of “new” plastic in circulation. If you need help finding a place to recycle plastic waste near you, check Earth911’s recycling directory . It’s also important to check with your local recycling center about the types of plastic they accept.

4. Participate In (or Organize) a Beach or River Cleanup

Help remove plastics from the ocean and prevent them from getting there in the first place by participating in, or organizing a cleanup of your local beach or waterway . This is one of the most direct and rewarding ways to fight ocean plastic pollution. You can simply go to the beach or waterway and collect plastic waste on your own or with friends or family, or you can join a local organization’s cleanup or an international event like our Global Ocean Cleanup  or the International Coastal Cleanup .

  Take Our 7-Day Fight Plastic Waste Challenge Join the global movement to fight plastic waste with our 7-day challenge. With just a few minutes a day, you’ll be on your way to reducing ocean plastic pollution from home. Take the Challenge

5. Avoid Products Containing Microbeads

Tiny plastic particles, called “ microbeads ,” have become a growing source of ocean plastic pollution in recent years. Microbeads are found in some face scrubs, toothpastes, and bodywashes, and they readily enter our oceans and waterways through our sewer systems, and affect hundreds of marine species. Avoid products containing plastic microbeads by looking for “polythelene” and “polypropylene” on the ingredient labels of your cosmetic products (find a list of products containing microbeads here ).

6. Spread the Word

Stay informed on issues related to plastic pollution and help make others aware of the problem. Tell your friends and family about how they can be part of the solution, or host a viewing party for one of the many plastic pollution focused documentaries, like A Plastic Ocean , Garbage Island: An Ocean Full of Plastic , Bag It , Addicted to Plastic , Plasticized , or Garbage Island .

7. Support Organizations Addressing Plastic Pollution

There are many non-profit organizations working to reduce and eliminate ocean plastic pollution in a variety of different ways, including Oceanic Society , Plastic Pollution Coalition , 5 Gyres , Algalita , Plastic Soup Foundation , and others. These organizations rely on donations from people like you to continue their important work. Even small donations can make a big difference!

These seven ideas only scratch the surface for ways you can help address the growing problem of plastic pollution in the oceans. The important thing is that we all do something, no matter how small. For more ideas and resources, sign up to join our Blue Habits community of people worldwide committed to joyful daily actions that improve ocean health.

  Reduce Plastic Pollution From Home with Our 7-Day Challenge Join the global movement to fight plastic waste by participating in our 7-day challenge. Take the Challenge

Oceanic Society community members clean up San Francisco’s Ocean Beach.

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• Published: 10 June 2021

Ending marine pollution

Nature Sustainability volume  4 ,  page 459 ( 2021 ) Cite this article

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Scientific evidence sheds light on the extent, source and type of litter in the oceans, as well as on the limited efforts to clean it up so far. As we rely on healthy oceans for our future, it’s time to act.

Well into 2021, most countries around the world continue to battle with the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. On 11–13 June, the G7 leading democracies (Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, United Kingdom and United States, plus the European Union) are set to meet in Cornwall, United Kingdom, to help win the fight against the pandemic and discuss how to build a more prosperous future for all. A lot has been said about the need to shape sound recovery policies centred on health and sustainability and collaborations have emerged over the course of the past year to inform decision makers on what, and how, to innovate in order to bounce forward sustainably . The G7 countries have a unique opportunity to listen to science and lead the efforts of the global community in pursuit of innovative policies that can build a more sustainable development trajectory across the globe.

Against this backdrop, the International Programme on the State of the Ocean ( IPSO ) virtually convened marine scientists from different countries to work out a plan of action to ensure a sustainable ocean future. The scientists wrote a statement known as ‘Seven asks for the G7’ to request that priority is given to the protection of the oceans in the pandemic recovery plans that are to be discussed at the summit in Cornwall.

Mounting scientific evidence of the severe impacts of human actions on the ocean environment, and the associated societal and economic implications of those impacts, leaves everyone with no doubt about the risk of inaction. Politicians around the world have to step up efforts now.

One of the seven ‘asks’ from the IPSO convening is about ocean pollution. Although public awareness of the problem has grown rapidly over the past years, with several reports in the media , policy makers need comprehensive and reliable data about the actual magnitude and nature of the problem in order to intervene. In an article by Morales-Caselles and colleagues in Nature Sustainability , the authors conduct a substantial effort to harmonize worldwide aquatic litter inventories. The harmonized data show that ocean litter globally is dominated by plastics from take-out food, followed by fishing gear — a stark sign of how human activities, and in particular our food habits, impact the oceans. The experts are also able to show how litter is trapped in near-shore areas with land-sourced plastic reaching the open ocean mostly as small fragments. In another article by González-Fernández and co-authors, using a unique database of riverine floating macrolitter across Europe, the authors estimate that 307–925 million litter items — 82% of which is plastic — are transferred from Europe to the ocean annually. They also find that a major portion of the total litter loading is transferred through small rivers, streams and coastal run-off. This result clearly urges countries in Europe to increase efforts to keep rivers pollution-free. Overall, both papers suggest that waste management alone won’t be enough — consumption habits do play a key role in the fight against ocean litter.

Innovative solutions — to prevent, monitor and clean (PMC) marine litter — are necessary to restore healthy oceans and maintain their well-being over time. And again, little is known about how many of these solutions have been developed and implemented, and to what extent they have been effective as information is scattered across platforms and not easily accessible. In a global analysis by Bellou and colleagues, also in Nature Sustainability , the researchers identify 177 PMC solutions and find that 106 of them address monitoring; 33 address prevention (mostly via wastewater treatment); only 30 address cleaning. They also find an inconsistent use of litter size terms across the various developers, which required a harmonization effort to assess the type of litter addressed — results show that 137 of the solutions targeted macrolitter. Overall, only few solutions reached technical readiness and no solution was validated for efficiency and environmental impacts.

Policy makers alongside industry innovators, non-governmental organizations and citizens have a long way to go to address and reverse the trend of ocean pollution. The G7 summit could set the agenda for change — we expect that those influencing players will not shy away from the scientists’ call for action on the oceans.

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Ending marine pollution. Nat Sustain 4 , 459 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41893-021-00734-2

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Published : 10 June 2021

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DOI : https://doi.org/10.1038/s41893-021-00734-2

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The Problem of Ocean Pollution in Modern World Essay

As a concerned member of the community, I am writing to relay my thoughts on a considerable geo-social issue affecting the community. It is of considerable concern how pollution in the ocean has been a major predicament, which is not only affecting the water masses, but people as well. The pollution of the water masses not only inhibits water life, but also affects people’s health as well as other natural resources.

Although there are many natural wastes that affect the ocean life, it is evident that people are the principal cause of ocean pollution. Wastes such as toxic matter, plastics, and human wastes are some of the major sources of pollution in the ocean. In addition, chemicals such as bathing lotions, sunscreens, and other chemicals used by humans affect the toxicity level of water, which in turn affects marine life. Water is the most valuable resource for human beings, as such, it is pertinent for people to protect it.

Parent (7) asserts that solid content kills marine life, for instance, fish die due to their consumption of plastics. Up to 90% of foreign bodies, which float in the ocean, consist of plastics. it imposes some danger since it does not break down for a very long period of time (Parent 1).

When fish ingest plastics, they are unable to digest it since it cannot be broken down by their stomach chemicals. Eventually, they end up dying out of starvation being unable to find food. Large marine animals are also not exempted. They are affected by chemicals present in plastics and other things abundant in the ocean.

Chemicals from plastics in their turn increase global warming, which has been a major issue that affects the ocean causing water to rise in level eventually influencing animals, and humans near the ocean. Many people consume fish as food; when marine life is affected by toxic substance in the ocean, they can adversely affect humans to the extent of causing food poisoning, and even deformation of unborn children (Parent 8). Therefore, to save marine animals, it is necessary to conserve the ocean.

In order to make this dream a reality, people need to adopt changes starting from their own culture of behavior. These include aspects, such as training themselves to use reusable bags while going for shopping. Furthermore, people should avoid littering garbage and chemicals used in their homes into the ocean. Parent (4) contends that people should be interested in making the ocean pure and not polluted (Parent 1).

The government has been a supportive mechanism in this initiative by ensuring they provide litter bins in the surrounding areas near the ocean to enable those at the beach to put litter in the correct place. The community should work hand in hand with the set up organizations that ensure the safety and maintenance of the ocean. The organizations should also set up classes to educate the community on ways to protect the ocean, and the dangers they expose themselves to when they do not take care of it.

I do believe that if every person is to do all the right things in order to ensure the safety and maintenance of the ocean, people would be creating the best environment for themselves and their future generations.

Works Cited

Parent, Jason. Ocean Pollution Sources, Effects, and Prevention . 2010. Electronic Print.

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Home — Essay Samples — Environment — Ocean Pollution — The Causes of Ocean Pollution and the Need for Humans to Save Marine Life

The Causes of Ocean Pollution and The Need for Humans to Save Marine Life

• Categories: Ocean Ocean Pollution Water Pollution

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Published: Sep 14, 2018

Words: 1259 | Pages: 2 | 7 min read

Table of contents

Understanding the importance of ocean protection, addressing pollution and plastic waste, sustainable fishing and marine conservation, combating climate change and acidification.

• Reduce Single-Use Plastics : Minimize the use of single-use plastic items like bags, bottles, and straws by opting for reusable alternatives.
• Recycling Education : Promote education and awareness programs about proper recycling practices, including the separation and disposal of recyclable materials.
• Eco-Friendly Packaging : Support businesses that use eco-friendly packaging materials, such as biodegradable or compostable options.
• Plastic Cleanup Initiatives : Participate in or organize local beach clean-up events and river clean-up campaigns to remove plastic waste from the environment.
• Plastic-Free Purchasing : Choose products with minimal or no plastic packaging and encourage businesses to reduce excessive packaging.
• Community Awareness : Raise awareness within your community about the consequences of plastic pollution through workshops, seminars, and educational campaigns.
• Lobby for Policy Changes : Advocate for stricter regulations on plastic production, use, and disposal at the local, national, and international levels.
• Support Recycling Facilities : Encourage the development and accessibility of recycling facilities in your area.
• Adopt a Zero-Waste Lifestyle : Strive to reduce waste by composting organic materials, recycling, and making mindful consumption choices.
• Promote Eco-Friendly Products : Choose and promote products made from sustainable materials and that are designed for longevity and reusability.
• Boycott Microbeads : Avoid personal care products containing microbeads, which are tiny plastic particles that often end up in the ocean.
• Responsible Disposal : Ensure that your waste is properly disposed of in designated waste disposal facilities to prevent it from ending up in the ocean.
• Support Clean Technologies : Advocate for and support research and development of technologies to clean up plastic waste from the ocean.
• Engage in Ocean Cleanup Organizations : Contribute your time, resources, or donations to organizations focused on removing plastic waste from the ocean.
• Educational Programs : Encourage schools and educational institutions to incorporate environmental education programs that teach students about the impacts of plastic pollution.
• Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC). (2019). Special report on the ocean and cryosphere in a changing climate. IPCC. https://www.ipcc.ch/srocc/
• National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). (n.d.). Why is the ocean important? NOAA National Ocean Service. https://oceanservice.noaa.gov/facts/why-is-the-ocean-important.html
• Jambeck, J. R., et al. (2015). Plastic waste inputs from land into the ocean. Science, 347(6223), 768-771. doi:10.1126/science.1260352
• Marine Stewardship Council (MSC). (n.d.). About the MSC. https://www.msc.org/about-msc
• United Nations. (2015). Transforming our world: The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. United Nations. https://sdgs.un.org/2030agenda
• National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). (n.d.). Marine protected areas. NOAA National Ocean Service. https://oceanservice.noaa.gov/facts/mpa.html
• National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). (n.d.). Ocean acidification. NOAA Climate Program Office. https://cpo.noaa.gov/Meet-the-Divisions/Climate-and-Societal-Interactions/CPO-COCA/Ocean-Acidification

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Ocean Pollution

1 menace of ocean pollution and its impact on ecosystems and human health.

Introduction The Earth is covered by oceans. The ocean covers more than 70% of the Earth’s surface, holds 97% of the world’s water, hosts some of the planet’s most diverse ecosystems, and supports economies in countries around the world. There are many causes of why our oceans are becoming toxic. Ocean pollution is widespread, becoming […]

2 The Urgent Need to Address Ocean Pollution: Effects, Causes, and Solutions

Introduction Hello everyone, and welcome back to my blog page. There’s a very serious topic I’d like to discuss this week, and that is Ocean Pollution. More recently than ever, ocean pollution has become a MAJOR problem. Its effects have become much more serious and hurtful to ocean life and our own as well. The […]

3 Ocean Pollution: Mitigating the Impending Destruction of Ocean Life

Introduction Millions of ocean species are soon to face mass extinction due to pollution. Pollution is everywhere we look, even the Ocean. All the trash that does not end up in the trash lands on the ground and eventually in the Ocean. Ocean life is on the verge of destruction by humans. The Looming Threat […]

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4 The Harmful Effects of Ocean Pollution and the Urgent Need for Action

Introduction Have you ever been to the beach and expected to see a beautiful, refreshing, and clean environment? Instead, you find a beach that is covered with plastic waste, pieces of metal, and chemicals. For example, in the North Pacific Ocean sits a massive patch. It has been famously known as The Great Pacific Garbage […]

5 Ocean Pollution: Challenges, Efforts, and Impact

Introduction The focus of my group’s project was ocean conservation. The oceans are one of Earth’s best gifts to humans, beautiful ecosystems growing with life that provide fresh food to jobs that millions of people can enjoy. These oceans may seem perfectly fine, and there wouldn’t be any major difficulties and concerns, but that’s not […]

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How to Reduce Plastic and Other Ocean Pollution Simultaneously

Plastic has gone from the greatest invention of the modern era to one of the most challenging materials to manage. Each year, up to 13 million metric tons of plastic enter the ocean, the equivalent of one garbage truck of waste every minute. The world has responded with countless intiatives, campaigns and agreements to ban plastic straws and bags; 127 countries have introduced legislation to regulate plastic bags.

But here’s the thing: Plastic bags and straws aren’t the ocean’s only pollution problem.

Visible plastic waste near the surface of the ocean — the kind that makes up the Great Pacific Garbage Patch , and garners the most attention — makes up just 3% of total plastic in the ocean. Plastic also sinks to the ocean floor, stays suspended in the water column, or gets deposited out of the ocean in remote places, making clean-up difficult. The UN Environment Programme estimated the global damage to marine environments from plastic pollution to be a minimum of $13 billion per year. And there are a whole host of non-plastic pollutants such as nutrients like nitrogen and phosphorous that fuel harmful algal blooms, antibiotics, heavy metals, pesticides, oil and gas, and other debris. These pollutants enter the ocean directly, through rivers, stormwater or the wind. These substances have been damaging the environment, human health and the economy long before plastics became so prevalent. 

Protecting human and marine health and harnessing the full benefits of a sustainable ocean economy will require not only reducing plastic waste, but all ocean pollutants.

Seven Interventions Solutions to Tackle Reduce Plastic and All Ocean Pollution

The sundry pollutants making their way into the ocean often share common pathways and root causes, such as a lack of access to sanitation and wastewater processing or inefficient use of natural resources. Tackling these root causes can have a compounding effect.

For example, improving wastewater management at scale in a city or region can reduce plastic entering the ocean while also reducing nutrient pollution, which in turn improves the health of fisheries and coral reefs. This means that there is an opportunity to capitalize on the attention being paid to plastic pollution in order to tackle multiple ocean pollutants at once.

A new Blue Paper commissioned by the High-Level Panel for a Sustainable Ocean Economy highlights seven solutions that can reduce plastic pollution while also curbing other types of ocean pollution:

Improve wastewater management by developing and building sustainable wastewater infrastructure for the 3 billion people who lack access to controlled waste disposal facilities. Untreated wastewater contains a number of pollutants like pathogens, plastics and chemicals. It can pose a severe risk to human and environmental health through toxic exposure, vector-borne diseases and eutrophication.

Improve stormwater management by implementing stormwater and storm drain filtration and river mouth trash collection. This can prevent wastes such as macroplastics (littered items), microplastics (tire dust), and chemicals on roadways from flowing into rivers, and eventually, the ocean. Regulating the use of nutrients and pesticides and shifting behaviors — for example, the cultural norm around having a manicured lawn, which can increase the use of pesticides, herbicides and fertilizers — can also ensure that these pollutants do not enter the ocean through stormwater. For example, a toxic algal bloom caused by nutrient pollution in the western Lake Erie basin in 2011 disrupted water supplies for 400,000 people.

Adopt green chemistry practices and new materials. This includes banning hard-to-manage substances like expanded polystyrene (commonly packaging material), limiting the use of chemicals of concern like phthalates, and supporting materials research. Developing new materials that maintain the desirable performance characteristics of plastics but not the problematic ones, such as true biodegradables, could prevent plastics from causing as much harm if they do enter the ocean.

Practice radical resource efficiency through plastic-use reduction. This includes imposing fees on single-use plastics, encouraging voluntary industry standards to reduce fossil-fuel-based plastics ,and shifting cultural norms around waste generation, consumption and reuse.  For example, introducing carrier bag charges in the UK reduced the number of plastic bags used there by 80 %, with 9 billion fewer plastic bags used since the legislation was introduced in 2015.

Recover and recycle the materials we use in both formal and informal sectors by implementing extended producer responsibility laws, providing incentives for waste segregation and recycling, strengthening markets for recycled plastics and implementing “Fishing for Litter” programs. Only 9 % of all plastic ever discarded since 1950 has been recycled, while another 12% has been incinerated and the remaining 79% accumulated in landfills or the natural environment.

Implement coastal zone improvements by, for example, restricting open ocean aquaculture. Shifting to sustainable land-based aquaculture systems could reduce a number of pollutants associated with coastal aquaculture, such as plastic pollution from lost or discarded gear and untreated waste with high levels of nitrogen and phosphorous. Encouraging participation in Adopt-a-Beach programs and clean beach certifications such as Blue Flag and Project Aware can reduce litter on beaches and make people more aware of pollution.

Build local systems for safe food and water by establishing drinking water treatment systems where needed, and ensuring adequate drinking water standards.  This solution can not only reduce pollutants entering the ocean from the reduction in single-use plastic bottles, but also help the 1 in 3 people worldwide who lack  access to clean drinking water.

Reducing Pollution for a Better Ocean Economy

These tactics can’t be done on a small scale or by a single entity. In order to be successful, it is essential that solutions include cross-sectoral public-private partnerships, innovative financing arrangements and capital from a range of sources.

For example, in Muncar, a small village in East Java, Indonesia, public private partnership organizers built a waste management system and strategy to optimize waste collection and processing for both inorganic and organic wastes, change behaviors, set regulations, and build institutional capacity. In December 2019, 47,500 people received waste collection services, mostly for the first time, from two facilities established by the project. These facilities employ 80 local people and have collected 3,000 tons of waste that would have otherwise potentially ended up in the ocean.  

By taking bold, integrated actions that address pollution across sectors, we can help build a sustainable ocean economy that can expand economic opportunities and improve the health and prosperity of millions of people. But our road to recovery must include the development of a circular economy. The notion that things can be thrown away is a myth. Plastic and other pollutants continue to pollute long after their shelf life is over. We need to ”turn off the tap” and prevent pollution before it happens in the first place.

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4 ways to reduce plastic pollution, in world that says it’s cutting nutrient pollution, progress is lacking, banning straws and bags won’t solve our plastic problem, 127 countries now regulate plastic bags. why aren't we seeing less pollution, how you can help.

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Essay on Ocean Pollution

Students are often asked to write an essay on Ocean Pollution in their schools and colleges. And if you’re also looking for the same, we have created 100-word, 250-word, and 500-word essays on the topic.

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100 Words Essay on Ocean Pollution

Ocean pollution: an overview.

Ocean pollution is a grave issue affecting our planet. It involves harmful substances, like plastic and chemicals, entering the ocean, damaging marine life and ecosystems.

Causes of Ocean Pollution

Ocean pollution primarily arises from human activities. Waste, especially plastic, is often dumped into oceans. Oil spills from ships also contribute significantly.

Effects of Ocean Pollution

Ocean pollution harms marine life. Animals ingest plastic or get entangled in it, often leading to their death. It also disrupts the balance of marine ecosystems.

Preventing Ocean Pollution

We can prevent ocean pollution by reducing waste, recycling more, and supporting laws that protect oceans. Everyone’s small efforts can make a big difference.

250 Words Essay on Ocean Pollution

Introduction.

Ocean pollution, a pressing global issue, is the contamination of our seas with harmful substances. This scourge, primarily driven by human activities, poses a significant threat to marine ecosystems and human health.

The primary culprits of ocean pollution are industrial waste, plastic debris, oil spills, and agricultural runoff. Industries often dump waste directly into oceans, releasing toxic chemicals that harm marine life. Plastics, due to their non-biodegradable nature, remain in the ocean for centuries, often ingested by marine animals, leading to their demise. Oil spills have devastating effects, smothering marine life and damaging habitats. Agricultural runoff, rich in fertilizers and pesticides, can cause harmful algal blooms, depleting oxygen levels and creating “dead zones”.

Impacts of Ocean Pollution

Ocean pollution’s impacts are multifaceted. It wreaks havoc on marine biodiversity, leading to population declines and species extinction. It also disrupts the food chain, as toxins accumulate in larger predators through bioaccumulation. In addition, ocean pollution affects human health, as we consume seafood contaminated with toxins.

In conclusion, ocean pollution is a grave issue that demands immediate attention. Sustainable practices, strict regulations, and public awareness are key to mitigating this crisis. As we rely heavily on oceans for sustenance and recreation, it is our collective responsibility to safeguard them for future generations.

500 Words Essay on Ocean Pollution

Introduction: the deepening crisis of ocean pollution.

Ocean pollution, a growing environmental concern, poses significant threats to marine ecosystems and human health. The ocean, which covers over 70% of the earth’s surface, is the lifeblood of our planet. It regulates climate, feeds millions of people, and is home to an incredible array of wildlife. However, the health of our oceans is under severe threat from anthropogenic activities.

The Sources of Ocean Pollution

Ocean pollution stems from numerous sources. The primary culprit is land-based activities, which account for approximately 80% of marine pollution. Industrial effluents, untreated sewage, agricultural run-off, and plastic waste are all discharged into rivers and ultimately flow into the oceans.

Maritime activities are another significant source of ocean pollution. Oil spills from ships, discarded fishing gear, and discharge of ballast water introduce harmful substances into the marine environment.

Impacts on Marine Ecosystems

The impacts of ocean pollution on marine ecosystems are profound and far-reaching. Plastic debris, for instance, entangles and injures marine animals. Many species, including sea turtles and seabirds, mistake plastic for food, leading to ingestion, malnutrition, and often death.

Chemical pollutants, on the other hand, can disrupt the reproductive processes of marine organisms. Heavy metals and other toxic substances bioaccumulate in marine food chains, posing health risks not only to marine life but also to humans consuming seafood.

Climate Change and Ocean Pollution

Ocean pollution also exacerbates the impacts of climate change. Nutrient run-off from agriculture can cause algal blooms, leading to ‘dead zones’ where oxygen levels are so low most marine life cannot survive. These areas are increasing due to global warming, which raises ocean temperatures and lowers oxygen levels.

Additionally, carbon dioxide emissions from burning fossil fuels are absorbed by the oceans, causing ocean acidification. This threatens the survival of shell-forming organisms and coral reefs, which are vital for marine biodiversity.

Addressing Ocean Pollution

Addressing ocean pollution requires a multi-pronged approach. At the policy level, stricter regulations are needed for waste disposal and agricultural run-off. International cooperation is also essential to manage pollution from maritime activities.

Technological innovations can also play a key role. For instance, developing more efficient waste management systems and promoting biodegradable materials can reduce the amount of waste entering the oceans.

Public awareness and education are also crucial. By understanding the sources and impacts of ocean pollution, individuals can make more informed choices, such as reducing plastic consumption and responsibly disposing of waste.

Conclusion: The Urgent Call to Preserve Our Oceans

Ocean pollution is a complex and pressing issue that threatens the health of our planet. As we move forward, it is imperative that we view the oceans not as an endless resource and dumping ground, but as a vital ecosystem that needs our protection. Through a combination of policy, technology, and education, we can begin to turn the tide on ocean pollution.

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Ocean plastic pollution an overview: data and statistics

09 May 2022

https://oceanliteracy.unesco.org/plastic-pollution-ocean/

Plastic is one of the most enduring materials man has created. Nowadays, we all know that it can take hundreds of years for plastic to degrade, and research is showing that it is possible that it does not even fully degrade, but becomes what we call microplastic .

Microplastics are tiny particles of plastic that can be eaten by marine animals and end up in their bodies and tissues, entering the food chain and leading to disastrous consequences for the health of our planet and all its inhabitants.

Even if human beings are becoming more and more aware of the hazards this material poses to life, the presence of plastic in our ocean is continually increasing, and plastic pollution is still one of the main causes of marine species extinction , health problems for human beings and animals alike, and the destruction of our ecosystems.

In this article, we will look at ocean plastic pollution and lay out the data and statistics you need to understand the daunting issue we are facing. Most importantly, we will also look at what we can do as individuals and as part of our society to prevent plastic pollution and save our planet.

Let’s start!

Plastic Pollution in the Ocean: Where does it come from?

It is clear that plastic pollution is one of the most pressing environmental issues we are currently facing, but how did it come to be? Moreover, where does all the plastic in the ocean come from?

Plastics produced from fossil fuels are just over a century old , but they revolutionized our life completely. It allowed the invention of many life-saving devices and the implementation of new technologies that changed the course of history.

However, the great advantages plastic offered led to a throwaway trend that made us discover plastic’s dark side: the threat it poses to our environment and life.

The majority of plastic pollution in the ocean is caused by littering : we buy or use disposable plastic items (food wrappings, plastic bags, razors, bottles, etc.) and do not dispose of them properly, which cause them to end up in the waterways and eventually in the ocean.

Yet, not all-plastic waste in the ocean is an effect of littering: many plastics and microplastics are the product of improper manufacturing processes and about 20% of the ocean’s plastic pollution comes from industrial fishing.

Plastic Pollution: Key Facts

• Plastic waste makes up 80% of all marine pollution and around 8 to 10 million metric tons of plastic end up in the ocean each year.
• Research states that, by 2050, plastic will likely outweigh all fish in the sea.
• In the last ten years, we have produced more plastic products than in the previous century.
• The EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) has stated that basically 100% of all plastics human beings have ever created are still in existence.
• Plastic generally takes between 500-1000 years to degrade. Even then, it becomes microplastics, without fully degrading.
• Currently, there are about 50-75 trillion pieces of plastic and microplastics in the ocean.
• This plastic either breaks down into microplastic particles (see below), or floats around and ends up forming garbage patches.

Garbage Patches in the Ocean

Most of the plastic we find in the ocean comes from land: it flows downstream through rivers all the way to the sea. At first, it may stay in coastal waters, but it can soon be picked up by rotating ocean currents , called gyres, and transported literally anywhere in the world.

According to National Geographic, scientists found plastic coming from Russia, the United States, Europe, South America, Japan, and China on Henderson Island , an uninhabited isolated atoll halfway between Chile and New Zealand.

Usually, marine plastic debris groups up in what we call garbage patches, plastic accumulation areas, in the center of the ocean’s gyres. The biggest is the Great Pacific garbage patch , located between Hawaii and California.

Consequences

Today, plastic production and use is still at its highest, but the data on recycling are not at all promising: only about 10% of the plastic we produce is currently being recycled . The rest is either incinerated, causing air pollution, or it ends up in our oceans and environment.

Harm to Wildlife

Plastic pollution in the ocean has a devastating impact on marine life and ecosystems. The most obvious one being the damage plastic items cause to animals when they come into contact with or ingest them, which include suffocation, entanglement, laceration, infections and internal injuries.

17% of the species affected by the presence of plastic in the ocean are on the International Union for Conservation of Nature Red List of Threatened Species.

Yet, there are more problems related to plastic: floating plastic items can help transport invasive species, which leads to threats for marine ecosystems , biodiversity and the food web.

Harm to Human Beings

As we explained above, microplastics have now become part of the food chain and have been found everywhere: in drinking water, salt, beer and in the soil where we grow our vegetables.

Plastic materials are carcinogenic and can affect the body’s endocrine system, causing developmental, neurological, reproductive and immune disorders. Another health hazard is given by toxic contaminants that often accumulate on plastic’s surface, and are then transferred to humans through the consumption of seafood.

Climate Change

Plastic pollution and climate change are two sides of the same coin : plastic production, as it is created from fossil fuels, highly contributes to the climate crisis.

Moreover, as we already mentioned, when plastic waste is incinerated, it releases carbon dioxide and methane into the atmosphere, increasing emissions and worsening global warming.

Economic effects

According to research, the yearly economic costs of plastic in the ocean are estimated to be between $6-19bn USD. These costs are given by its impact on tourism, fisheries and aquaculture, and (governmental) cleanups.

Images of Plastic Pollution in the Ocean

Here, we have decided to show you some recent images of plastic pollution in the ocean.

This will help you comprehend the magnitude of the threat that plastic pollution in the ocean poses to our planet and life, as we know it, and hopefully help you develop a deeper awareness of what is going on.

Why it is Vital to Prevent Plastic Pollution

Plastic pollution is undoubtedly an issue that requires worldwide cooperation. Its consequences affect the whole planet and its inhabitants: it threatens ocean health , the health of marine species, food safety and quality, human health , coastal tourism, and contributes to climate change.

Reducing the presence of plastic in our oceans will not only allow us to save marine species and ecosystems, but will improve our overall health and that of the environment in general, helping us fight climate change and working towards a more sustainable future .

How to Stop Plastic Pollution in the Ocean

It is quite hard to retrieve plastic from the ocean once it has entered it. New technologies allow us to catch larger marine debris, but small plastic items and microplastics are virtually impossible to reach, especially when they are deep in the ocean.

Therefore, many scientists and conservationists have declared that the best solution is to prevent plastic waste from entering rivers and seas in the first place.

This could be accomplished with the improvement of our waste management systems and the implementation of recycling . In addition, it is essential to reconsider the design and usage of disposable packaging , and the reduction in manufacturing of unnecessary single-use plastics.

What Can We Do

There are many ways to keep plastic out of the ocean ! Here are some strategies you can adopt and share with your community:

• Reduce plastic use Think about all the plastic items you use in your daily life. Can you even count them all? Being more aware of the way you use plastic is a great starting point to reduce plastic waste.

We know, habits are hard to change, but even a small individual commitment can make a difference especially when talking about the single-use plastics we mentioned earlier which, according to data from the European Parliament, are responsible for 49% of all marine pollution.

Here are some new habits you can take inspiration from:

• Swap plastic bags for reusable ones, made of cloth or fiber.
• Reduce the use of disposable plastic cups, plates, cutlery and bottles. For example, bring your own reusable bottle to work and a reusable coffee cup for your morning take-away!)
• Buy food and cleaning products in bulk to avoid useless plastic wrappings. Nowadays, there are plenty of options to choose from, and many supermarkets let you fill your own jars/bags.
• Choose metal or glass food containers and storage options instead of plastic ones.
• Avoid buying and using cosmetics that contain plastic microspheres or microbeads.
• Participate in (or organize!) a cleanup

If you live by a sea or river, you can volunteer to pick up litter in your local community, thus remove plastics from the waterways and preventing them from getting to the ocean in the first place. There are many organizations you can join, or simply do it on the weekend with your friends and family. Every little helps!

• Support the right legislation

Of course, it is essential to change our individual behaviors and habits, but unfortunately, this is not sufficient to prevent and stop ocean plastic pollution. It is also essential that you support legislation that aims at reducing the use and production of plastic, improve recycling facilities and better manage waste in general.

• Support research and organizations

One of the main weapons we can use to stop ocean pollution is research. By deepening our knowledge of the effects of the issue, we can start implementing better policies for all.

There are many NGOs and non-profit that rely on donations to develop their projects and research for reducing and eliminating plastic from the ocean. Here are some examples:

• Oceanic Society
• Plastic Pollution Coalition
• Plastic Soup Foundation

Sylvia Earle, marine biologist, said: “It is the worst of times but it is the best of times because we still have a chance.” So, let us make the best of this chance; we can all make choices to protect our planet, it is not too late!

https://www.itsafishthing.com/plastic-in-the-ocean/

https://www.unep.org/news-and-stories/story/plastic-planet-how-tiny-plastic-particles-are-polluting-our-soil

https://www.nationalgeographic.com/environment/article/plastic-pollution

https://oceanservice.noaa.gov/hazards/marinedebris/plastics-in-the-ocean.html

https://theoceancleanup.com/

https://www.iberdrola.com/sustainability/plastic-in-the-ocean

https://www.wwf.org.uk/updates/how-does-plastic-end-ocean

https://www.oceanicsociety.org/resources/7-ways-to-reduce-ocean-plastic-pollution-today/

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Ocean literacy: the essential principles and fundamental concepts of ocean sciences for learners of all ages (2020), climate negotiations in madrid: cop25 made a splash.

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Marine plastic pollution

• Over 400 million tons of plastic are produced every year for use in a wide variety of applications.
• At least 14 million tons of plastic end up in the ocean every year, and plastic makes up  80% of all marine debris found from surface waters to deep-sea sediments.
• Marine species ingest or are entangled by plastic debris , which causes severe injuries and death.
• Plastic pollution threatens food safety and quality, human health, coastal tourism, and contributes to climate change .
• There is an urgent need for a global plastics treaty that directly addresses plastic pollution’s impact on biodiversity.

What is the issue ? 

Plastic is a synthetic organic polymer made from petroleum with properties ideally suited for a wide variety of applications including: packaging, building and construction, household and sports equipment, vehicles, electronics and agriculture. Over 400 million tons of plastic are produced every year, half of which is used to create single-use items such as shopping bags, cups and straws. If discarded improperly, plastic waste can harm the environment and biodiversity.

At least 14 million tons of plastic end up in the ocean every year . Plastic debris is currently the most abundant type of litter in the ocean, making up 80% of all marine debris found from surface waters to deep-sea sediments . Plastic is found on the shorelines of every continent, with more plastic waste found near popular tourist destinations and densely populated areas.

The main sources of plastic debris found in the ocean are land-based , coming from urban and stormwater runoff, sewer overflows, littering, inadequate waste disposal and management, industrial activities, tyre abrasion, construction and illegal dumping. Ocean-based plastic pollution originates primarily from the fishing industry, nautical activities and aquaculture.

Under the influence of solar UV radiation, wind, currents and other natural factors, plastic breaks down into small particles called microplastics (particles smaller than 5 mm) or nanoplastics (particles smaller than 100 nm). The small size makes them easy for marine life to ingest accidentally.

Many countries lack the infrastructure to prevent plastic pollution such as: sanitary landfills; incineration facilities; recycling capacity and circular economy infrastructure; proper management and disposal of waste systems. This leads to ‘plastic leakage’ into rivers and the ocean. The legal and illegal global trade of plastic waste may also damage ecosystems , where waste management systems are not sufficient to contain plastic waste.

Plastic pollution is found in all areas of the ocean and in marine organisms.

Why is it important ?

Plastic pollution is a widespread problem affecting the marine environment. It threatens ocean health, the health of marine species, food safety and quality, human health, coastal tourism, and contributes to climate change.

Impacts on marine ecosystems

The most visible impacts of plastic debris are the ingestion, suffocation and entanglement of hundreds of marine species. Marine wildlife such as seabirds, whales, fish and turtles mistake plastic waste for prey; most then die of starvation as their stomachs become filled with plastic. They also suffer from lacerations, infections, reduced ability to swim, and internal injuries. Floating plastics also help transport invasive marine species, thereby threatening marine biodiversity and the food web.

Impacts on food and human health

Microplastics have been found in tap water, beer, salt and are present in all samples collected in the world’s oceans, including the Arctic. Several chemicals used in the production of plastic materials are known to be carcinogenic and to interfere with the body’s endocrine system, causing developmental, reproductive, neurological, and immune disorders in both humans and wildlife. Recently, microplastics were found in human placentas but more research is needed to determine if this is a widespread problem.

Toxic contaminants also accumulate on the surface of plastic as a result of prolonged exposure to seawater. When marine organisms ingest plastic debris, these contaminants enter their digestive systems, and over time accumulate in the food web. The transfer of contaminants between marine species and humans through consumption of seafood has been identified as a health hazard, and research is ongoing.

Impacts on tourism

Plastic waste damages the aesthetic value of tourist destinations, leading to decreased income from tourism. It also generates major economic costs related to the cleaning and maintenance of the sites. The build-up of plastic litter on beaches can have a negative impact on a country’s economy, wildlife, and the physical and psychological wellbeing of people.

Impacts on climate change

Plastic production contributes to climate change. If plastic waste is incinerated, it releases carbon dioxide and methane (from landfills) into the atmosphere, thereby increasing emissions.

The UN 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development calls for action to ‘Conserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas and marine resources’ (Goal 14) and ‘By 2025, prevent and significantly reduce marine pollution of all kinds, particularly from land-based activities, including marine debris and nutrient pollution’ (Target 14.1).

What can be done?

Despite positive efforts from countries to tackle elements of plastic pollution, such as bans on certain forms of single-use plastics, a global plastics treaty is essential because plastic pollution is transboundary and a main driver of biodiversity loss . The protection and restoration of biodiversity, and nature per se , must be incorporated in the legally binding control measures and enforcement terms of the future treaty.

Regional and national governments should also explore national legislative frameworks on Extended Producer Responsibility . These are emerging as innovative, low-cost solutions, as are policies to promote circular economies.

Governments, research institutions and industries need to work collaboratively to redesign products , and rethink their use and disposal to reduce microplastic waste from pellets, synthetic textiles and tyres. Consumers and society must shift to more sustainable consumption patterns . This will require solutions which go beyond waste management and consider the whole lifecycle of plastic products; from design to infrastructure, and household use.

More funding for research and innovation should be made available to provide policymakers, manufacturers and consumers with the evidence needed to implement technological, behavioural and policy solutions to address marine plastic pollution.

Methodologies to identify, measure and address marine plastic pollution sources and plastic leakage are available, including from IUCN.

More information

IUCN publications on marine plastic pollution

IUCN statement and proposed text for inclusion of biodiversity protection in the plastics treaty

• Twitter: @IUCN_Plastics

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Ocean Pollution as a Major Problem

How it works

The Ocean is one of the major reasons why humans survive in this world. The Ocean provides us with water to drink and the fresh air we breathe. That’s why the issue of ocean pollution is important and needs to be addressed as soon as possible. We depend on the ocean for so much in our life. Ocean pollution is becoming a major problem. Trash is piling up in our oceans but the question is, where is the trash coming from.

According to the article “Ocean Pollution” by Maclnnes David F., Jr., Kahler Karen N, “Land-based sources account for approximately 80 percent of the pollutants that enter the marine environment.” All the trash comes from land. People seem to think that since the ocean is so large and vast, we can dump as much waste as we’d like into it, and it will never have an effect on us. According to “Ocean Pollution”, “Ocean pollution includes trash, chemicals, and sewage introduced into the ocean by human activity.” We as humans need to stop littering and throw our trash away in order to reduce the amount of wastes going into the ocean. According to John H. Tibbetts, the author of the article, “Managing Marine Plastic Pollution says”, “by one estimate, the volume of plastic debris going into the world’s ocean could more than double by 2025.”

One of the major problems of ocean pollution is chemical pollution. Chemical pollution can also result from air pollution. For example, automobiles and coal-burning power plants release harmful particles into the atmosphere. These particles can eventually settle in the water carrying with them chemicals such as mercury. Mercury can accumulate in tiny plankton, which are eaten by fish, which may come down to be eaten by humans. According to another Ocean Pollution article, “Chemical pollution can come from a single large event, such as an oil spill, but it also comes from many small sources, such as oil leaked by automobiles and carried by rain and waterways to the ocean. Only a small portion of oil in the ocean comes from major spills.” Chemical pollution can affect human health, but the greatest potential for large-scale effects on human health from chemical pollution is connected to consumption of contaminated seafood.

Another pollution in the ocean is sewage. Human sewage largely consists of waste from toilet-flushing; wastewater from bathing, laundry, and dishwashing; and animal and vegetable matter from food preparation that is disposed through an in-sink garbage disposal. According to an article, “Ocean Pollution since 1945”, “Sewage is another important kind of ocean pollution because it carries disease-causing microbes. When it rains, sewage is often discharged into harbors and beaches. Towns may monitor bacteria levels in the water to alert beachgoers when the water is polluted with sewage.” Most sewage finds its way into the ocean as either poorly treated or untreated discharge, or as stormwater runoff. Sewage is teaming with viruses and bacteria, and fecal contamination is a major cause of illness around the world.

With all the information provided, the question the effect it has on living species. Waste disposal, like sewage, has been recognized as a potential threat to the

environmental quality of waters. Because of these dirty waters, the living resources in the water are deeply affected. The oils in the waters are less dense than the ocean, so for the most part, they harm birds that fly across hunting for fish. Everyday, marine animals are getting caught in some at least some kind of plastic or net. Most think that only fish are affected from getting caught in these but not alot know that they also kill birds, turtles, dolphins and others mammals swimming in the sea. The marine creatures are being harmfully affected by this pollution. This pollution also affects humans. It is perhaps a cycle because humans are the reason for this pollution. The humans make the decision to harm the marine waters, thus harming the animal life, and therefore harming themselves.

At the end of the day, ocean pollution is harming both us human beings and killing marine animals in the sea. Ocean pollution is a huge problem that we need to solve, In the near future, I plan to build an organization where groups of clean up crews clean up the beach every weekend. I also plan on making a project where trash will be collected right before it even touches the water. According to “Yes, No, Maybe So by Birdman,” says “The path toward major ethical lapses begins with minor transgressions and continues as a series of reasonable choices.” I plan on starting by building my team as soon as possible in order to solve this problem but for right now, I suggest everybody to pick up after their own trash or maybe pick up any trash you see in the streets.

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Home / Essay Samples / Environment / Ocean Pollution / Plastic Pollution In The Ocean

Plastic Pollution In The Ocean

• Category: Science , Environment
• Topic: Ocean , Ocean Pollution , Pollution

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