When picturing an image of the ocean in your head, you probably think of endless blue waves and beautiful wildlife of all different colors. Unfortunately, beneath the stunning surface lies a major issue that we can not ignore: pollution.

What is Ocean Pollution?

Ocean pollution involves harmful substances like chemicals and trash from human activities entering the ocean, which damages marine life, ecosystems, and our health. The ocean is overwhelmed with trash and toxins, including plastic waste and oil spills. (https://education.nationalgeographic.org/resource/marine-pollution/)

Different Types

• Plastic Pollution– Plastic waste is particularly problematic as a pollutant because it is so long-lasting. Plastic items can take hundreds of years to decompose, leading to a buildup of waste in landfills and natural environments. This presence adds to a range of ecological issues.
• Chemical Runoff – This pollution happens when fertilizers used on farms wash into waterways, eventually reaching the ocean. High levels of chemicals like nitrogen and phosphorus in coastal waters encourage harmful algal blooms, which can be toxic to wildlife and dangerous for humans. This negatively impacts local fishing and tourism industries. (https://education.nationalgeographic.org/)
• Oil Spills– Tend to happen when pipelines break, big oil tanker ships sink, or drilling operations go wrong. Consequences to ecosystems and economies can be felt for decades following a large oil spill. (https://www.noaa.gov)
• Wastewater– “An estimated 80 percent of our global wastewater is discharged untreated into the environment. The assumption has been, not surprisingly, that the ocean can handle it, that in fact the ocean can treat the wastewater. Let me be very clear that our oceans and our environment in general cannot handle it, and in fact have been very severely impacted by it.”-Dr. Stephanie Wear, Senior Scientist & Strategy Advisor at The Nature Conservancy.
• Noise Pollution – Marine mammals and aquatic animals use underwater sound to communicate and navigate their environment. Sound is crucial for activities like breeding, foraging, maintaining social connections, and avoiding predators. Human activities such as global shipping, oil and gas exploration, construction, and naval exercises create ocean noise. These sounds can affect marine life over large areas and long periods since sound travels much farther than light underwater.

Making a Change

Reduce Plastic Use, Support Clean-Up Efforts, Be Mindful of Chemicals, Educate Others. Changing how society uses plastic will be a tough but achievable task. It needs effort from individuals, businesses, and governments. By cutting down on single-use plastics and choosing recyclable or biodegradable options, we can reduce plastic waste. Supporting clean-up efforts in our communities helps remove trash and raises awareness about plastic pollution’s effects on wildlife and ecosystems. Being mindful of the chemicals we use in our products promotes healthier living and protects our environment. Educating others about sustainable practices can inspire a culture that values environmental care and encourages future generations to adopt eco-friendly habits. This teamwork will help us create a cleaner, healthier planet.