Our oceans are facing an enormous problem. Every year, millions of tons of marine debris are dumped into the ocean causing an incredible amount of damage to not only the marine life that lives there but the ecosystem as a whole.
Although this problem can seem infinitely large, it’s not unstoppable. Through many different
methods and techniques mentioned in this article, the average person can adopt a few simple
practices to help clean up the ocean.
Because marine debris is such a major culprit of this problem, this article will focus on the
following:
What is Marine Debris?
According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), marine debris is
defined as any persistent solid material that is manufactured or processed and directly or
indirectly, intentionally, or unintentionally, disposed of or abandoned in the marine environment
or the Great Lakes. Some examples of marine debris are plastics, metals, rubber, glass, and
other man-made materials.
Marine debris is found everywhere. Every shoreline, major body of water, and even in places as
remote as Antarctic ice contains marine debris.
Although there are many different types of marine debris, it’s important to know that plastic
makes up for most of it. So much so it’s estimated to make up approximately 80% of the ocean's
Plastic is problematic for many reasons. Plastic does not degrade or deteriorate like other
pieces of marine debris. Because of elements like the sun, saltwater, and waves, plastic
continuously breaks down into smaller and smaller pieces called microplastics. These tiny,
microscopic plastic particles can become extremely difficult to remove from the ocean. That
said, microplastics can easily enter the marine food chain and become a danger to marine
wildlife, as well as human life.
Where Does it Come From?
Marine debris comes from many different places. From commercial fishing boats dumping
excess trash overboard to a plastic wrapper that gets left behind at a beach trip - it’s
everywhere. That said, there are two main categories of marine debris: land-based debris and
ocean-based debris.
Land-based debris is exactly what it sounds like, trash that comes from land. Some examples of
this includes: littering, poor waste management, stormwater runoff, and recreational activities on
beaches.
Likewise, ocean-based debris is simply from ocean activities. Some of these include commercial
shipping, fishing activities, and offshore oil and gas work.
Why Is It a Problem?
Marine debris causes a multitude of different problems - some at a large, global level, and
others at a smaller, local level. Below are three major reasons why marine debris is a problem at
a global level:
1. Harm to Marine Life: Animals can ingest or become entangled in marine debris. This
happens all the time and poses a major threat to all marine wildlife. Some examples of
this are sea turtles mistaking plastic bags for jellyfish, seabirds ingesting pieces of
plastic, and even plastic smothering coral reefs, blocking sunlight, and reducing oxygen
2. Human Health Risks: As mentioned earlier, microplastics can significantly affect
human health. Microplastics can enter the human food chain through seafood
consumption. These particles can carry harmful pollutants that can heavily impact
human health.
3. Environmental Impact: Marine debris not only damages the creatures living in the
ocean, it also damages the environments they live in. It damages coral reefs, seafloor
habitats, freshwater estuaries, and many more places the ocean's wildlife calls home.
What Can You Do About It?
Tackling marine debris is not an easy problem to fix. It requires a collective effort from everyone
at all levels. It takes individuals, communities, industries, governments - everyone. There are an
endless amount of ways you can help, but here are just a few easy ways to get started.
1. Reduce Plastic Use: Avoid single-use plastics by using reusable bags, bottles, and
containers. Support products made from sustainable materials.
2. Participate in Cleanups: Join local beach cleanups or organize one in your community.
These events help remove debris and raise awareness about the issue.
3. Education: Spread awareness about the impacts of marine debris and the importance
of reducing plastic use. Educate yourself, your friends, your family, and your community.
4. Support Organizations: Volunteer or donate to organizations working to combat
marine debris and protect marine environments.
It starts at a local level
Because marine debris is such a large, global issue, it’s easy to feel like picking up one piece of
trash or volunteering at one beach cleanup won’t make much of a difference.
Although the problem of marine debris exists at such a large, global level, it’s important to know
that tackling this problem begins at the local level. Local communities are on the front lines in the
fight against ocean pollution. By doing things like participating in beach cleanups, adopting
sustainable practices, and educating yourself and others on these topics, one single individual
can make a significant impact and lead to substantial change.
It may not seem like it, but local initiatives and community engagement are powerful tools —
when everyone does their part, it creates a ripple effect that extends far beyond the immediate
area.
By focusing on solutions at a local level, we can make a real difference in protecting our oceans
and ensuring a healthier environment for future generations.
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