How does rubbish affect the ocean

And if we continue producing plastic at current rates, the amount could outweigh all the fish in the sea by Research also shows that more than coastal and marine species are directly affected by plastic waste through entanglement, ingestion, or damage to their habitats. Additionally, a million seabirds and , marine mammals die annually because of plastic waste. When marine animals consume plastic, the toxins it contains breaks down inside their bodies.

Some of these plastic toxins are linked to hormonal abnormalities, and developmental problems. But researchers are still trying to understand exactly how our health is affected when we consume plastic via fish and shellfish.

One concern is that plastics in the ocean eventually degrades into nano-plastics , which are so small they could enter human cells when consumed. In , experts called for more research into the effect of micro- and nano-plastics on human health.

Undoubtedly, the biggest impact consumers can make is to reduce their use of single-use plastic, which contributes a significant share to plastic pollution in the sea. Recycling plastic wherever possible is also important. Volunteering for group clean-ups of rivers and beaches helps to reduce the amount of loose plastic that makes its way into the sea. Supporting campaigns and policy changes that reduce the production of unnecessary plastics is crucial, too.

This has led to huge successes in the past, such as the ban in the United Kingdom, the United States and other countries on using microbeads — tiny spheres made of plastic — in toiletries and cosmetics. Similarly, in China government action on plastics led to a countrywide ban in on thin, single-use carrier bags.

Researchers and innovators are developing solutions to stop plastic getting into the sea. In the Chinese port city of Xiamen, university researchers are developing a camera surveillance system to identify plastic and forecast its trajectory downriver, so they can stop it before it enters the sea.

The European Space Agency is even using its satellites to track plastic waste from space , in the hopes of informing new policies that will limit plastic pollution. Advances in developing biodegradable plastics could also have a huge impact on ocean health: researchers are currently working on a bioplastic that degrades in seawater , which could ultimately reduce the amount of waste that accumulates there. But the only way to truly solve this problem is to dramatically reduce the production of plastic, which means curbing our addiction to it.

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Marine litter is not only ugly — it can harm ocean ecosystems, wildlife, and humans. It can injure coral reefs and bottom-dwelling species and entangle or drown ocean wildlife. Some marine animals ingest smaller plastic particles and choke or starve.

Medical waste such as syringes , sharp objects, and large pieces of litter can pose a direct threat to humans. The economic impact of marine litter is thought to be significant. There are many types of marine litter. Roughly 70 percent of marine litter, such as glass, metal, and all sorts of marine equipment and other refuse, sinks to the ocean floor, according to UNEP. While marine litter consists of all sorts of materials, many plastics float or remain suspended in water, making them more visible.

And many also are resistant to degradation and persist in the marine environment. Ghost fishing can compete with active fishing for limited resources, undermining economic opportunities while also decreasing the reproductive capacities of fish and invertebrate stocks.

Immobilization of commercial and recreational vessels can result in increased costs of navigation due to lost time, costly repairs, as well as the loss of human life. In a tragic example, derelict fishing gear contributed to the sinking of a Korean passenger ferry in that resulted in the deaths of passengers. Humans can also be directly harmed by aquatic trash, becoming entangled in nets and lines while swimming or diving, or being injured by sharp debris that accumulates on beaches.

In most instances they are able to free themselves. In rare instances entanglement has resulted in injury and even death. Additionally, sharp debris that accumulates on beaches regularly results in puncture wounds and lacerations.

Medical waste, such as hypodermic needles, is of particular concern because punctures can result in the transfer of infections and disease. Due to the human health risk of medical debris, beaches in New York and New Jersey were closed to protect the public from medical waste that washed ashore in Aquatic trash also reduces the aesthetic and recreational values of rivers, beaches and marine resources.

The buildup of plastic debris on beaches is of particular concern for coastal cities since unsightly debris and entangled marine life can reduce the area's attractiveness to local residents and tourists. Immense economic costs are incurred to clean marine debris from beaches. In EPA conducted a study to quantify the cost spent by 90 cities, large and small, in California, Oregon and Washington, located along the coast or in watersheds draining to the ocean, to clean up litter and prevent trash from entering the ocean or waterways leading to it.

Nearly 50 million people live in these three states and over 85 percent of them live on the ocean or along rivers draining into it. This public cost burden makes yet another reason for finding effective strategies to reduce the trash entering our waterways and contributing to marine debris. Skip to main content. Trash-Free Waters. Contact Us. Impacts of Mismanaged Trash.