Uncovering the Origins of Ocean Plastic: From Land to Sea and Possible Solutions

The plastic pollution in our oceans is a growing concern for the health of marine life, sea turtles, birds, and the overall ocean ecosystem. Plastic debris in the ocean not only harms the marine life that ingest or get entangled in it, but also poses a threat to the tourism industry, seafood industry and human health. But where does all of this plastic come from?

The majority of plastic in our oceans comes from land-based sources, such as litter on beaches, streets, and in natural environments. Plastic waste can be carried into rivers and oceans through stormwater runoff, sewage systems, and illegal dumping. The waste that is not properly disposed of can end up in the ocean, where it can take hundreds of years to degrade. Plastic bags, cigarette filters, and plastic bottles are some of the most common types of plastic that are found in the ocean.

Another significant source of plastic in the oceans is from marine activities, such as fishing and shipping. Lost or discarded fishing gear, such as nets and lines, can continue to trap and harm marine life for years. It is estimated that around 600,000 tonnes of fishing gear are left in the ocean each year. Shipping containers can also accidentally spill their cargo, releasing plastic into the ocean. In addition, cargo ships and oil tankers often dump their waste plastic into the ocean, which can make up to 90% of marine litter.

A lesser-known source of ocean plastic is from offshore oil and gas platforms. Plastic debris can be carried by the ocean currents and become concentrated around these structures, causing harm to marine life and making cleanup efforts difficult.

Another source of plastic in the ocean is from the tourism industry, primarily from single-use items like straws, cups, cutlery and plates, which are often used for a short period of time and then discarded, ending up in the ocean. It is estimated that around 8 million metric tonnes of plastic end up in the ocean each year, and by 2050 there will be more plastic in the ocean than fish by weight.

It’s important to note that plastic pollution in the ocean is a global problem and not limited to any one country or region. Plastic waste can travel thousands of miles from its source before ending up in the ocean. For example, plastic waste from Asia has been found in the Arctic Ocean, while plastic waste from North America has been found in the Mediterranean Sea.

To combat plastic pollution in our oceans, individuals and companies can take steps to reduce their use of single-use plastic items and properly dispose of any plastic waste. Furthermore, government and industry can implement regulations and invest in research and development of alternative materials to decrease plastic production. Additionally, cleaning up the existing plastic waste in the ocean is also crucial, as it will prevent it from breaking down into smaller pieces and continuing to harm marine life.

In conclusion, plastic pollution in the ocean is a global problem that requires the cooperation of individuals, governments, and industries. By understanding where plastic waste in the ocean comes from, we can work towards solutions to protect our ocean and marine life for future generations. We must act now before it is too late and our oceans are irreversibly damaged.