Marine Debris Threats to the Ocean
Plastic Pollution Poses an Immense Risk To Marine Wildlife
Nov 6, 2006
Synthetic materials and plastic are the most common types of marine debris. Plastic persists in the environment and doesn't readily degrade. Through weathering and mechanical action, plastic is broken into small particles that marine wildlife easily ingests. Greenpeace International has published a report that compiles results of research papers released between 1990 and 2005 describing this problem. The Greenpeace report goes on to formulate suggestions on how to reduce the threat posed by plastics in the marine environment.
Greenpeace International's report is titled Plastic Debris in the World's Oceans and it details sources for marine debris, details harmful effects on wildlife, provides an estimate of the problem's scope, and lists potential solutions for resolving the plastic pollution threat. A brief outline of the study is provided below.
Plastic Pollution Sources - 80% of marine debris originates from land based sources:
- Debris left by beach goers and coastal users
- Storm and sanitary sewage discharge into coastal waters
- Commercial fishing gear and equipment lost or dumped at sea
- Shipboard waste and garbage thrown into the ocean
Harmful Effects on Wildlife
- Entanglement in lost fishing nets, traps, and monofilament fishing line
- Ingestion of plastic particles and debris
- Plastic debris could act as a vector for introduction of nonnative, invasive species by providing a floating raft for their movement in ocean currents
Scope of the Problem
- Marine debris is commonplace throughout the world's beaches and oceans
- Higher levels of pollution have been measured in the mid-latitudes, around fishing areas, and along shipping lanes
- Studies have shown an average of less than 10 floating debris items per square kilometer, with high values in areas like the English Channel and waters surrounding Indonesia
- The North Pacific Gyre, a known current convergence zone has been found to have floating marine debris items reaching a million items per square kilometer
Solutions and Prevention
- Increase enforcement of international treaties, especially Annex V of the International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships (MARPOL)
- Support ongoing shoreline cleanup and public education programs
- Implement Zero Waste plans that include the components of waste reduction, reuse, and recycling
Learn more about this issue by visiting the Greenpeace International website entitled Disposable Oceans and read the article Marine Plastic Pollution.
