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Cypress Utley
The question the paper addresses is “What is ocean pollution’s effect on marine life and
the environment?” The ocean makes up 70% of the Earth’s surface, contains the majority of the
planet’s water, provides jobs, strengthens the economy, is home to many marine animals and
food sources, aids in the regulation of the climate, and provides much of the Earth’s oxygen.
Despite its importance, however, billions of pounds of trash ends up in it every single year, and it
is heavily polluted by plastic waste, oil, runoff, and other sources of pollution. The locations
focused on in this paper include the Pacific Ocean, Indian Ocean, and the Great Barrier Reef, but
addresses the issue of ocean pollution in general and uses those locations as examples of severe
impacts of the problem. It also focuses on plastic, runoff, and oil pollution.The thesis statement
is “Human Impact through development and pollution are negatively affecting the marine
ecosystem and species survivability and unless immediate action is taken this damage will
become irreversible.”
OCEAN POLLUTION’S EFFECT ON MARINE LIFE AND THE ENVIRONMENT
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
Title
Page…………………………………………………………………………………………..1
Abstract……………………………………………………………………………………………2
Table of
Contents…………………………………………………………………………………..3
Introduction………………………………………………………………………………………..4
Limitations of
Study……………………………………………………………………………….4
Literature
Review…………………………………………………………………………………..5
Discussion………………………………………………………………………………………....9
Conclusion………………………………………………………………………………………..1
References………………………………………………………………………………………..15
OCEAN POLLUTION’S EFFECT ON MARINE LIFE AND THE ENVIRONMENT
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INTRODUCTION
According to the National Oceanic Service Administration, 70% of the Earth’s surface is
covered by oceans, and 97% of the planet’s water is located in oceans. Despite these facts, there
has been a failure to recognize the importance that the role of oceans play in society and on the
planet, such as opening up possibilities for jobs and improving the economy, supplying the
majority of the oxygen on Earth as well as many food sources, and help control the climate
(“Why Do Oceans and Seas Matter”, 2017). The results of the issue are not only detrimental to
the lives of humans, but also to the environment as well as marine life. A study carried out by the
University of Georgia determined that every year, 18 billion pounds of plastic waste ends up in
our oceans. “To put that in perspective, it’s enough trash to cover every foot of coastline around
the world with five full trash bags of plastic…compounding every year” (“Ocean Pollution: 30
Facts That Will Blow Your Mind”, 2017). Plastic is not the only source that has been
contributing to the issue, however. Other sources include sewage, oil spills, air pollutants,
runoff, mining, and marine transportation (“Ocean Pollution: 30 Facts That Will Blow Your
Mind”, 2017). Human Impact through development and pollution are negatively affecting the
OCEAN POLLUTION’S EFFECT ON MARINE LIFE AND THE ENVIRONMENT
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marine ecosystem and species survivability and unless immediate action is taken this damage
LIMITATIONS OF STUDY
Although the issue of ocean pollution is widespread and affects areas around the globe,
this paper is focused on specific locations in the Ocean that experience some of the more severe
results of the issue. These places include the Pacific Ocean, the Indian Ocean, and the Great
Barrier Reef. These areas are focused on more than others. There will also be statistics on other
countries and their contributions to the cause and of their role in the issue, which won’t be
limited to a specific region of the world. The paper is focused on sources such as oil, runoff, and
plastic waste. The paper addresses how it affects marine life, the environment, and also includes
some information on how it affects humans. The author lives relatively close to the Atlantic
Ocean, so there may be bias present due to the fact that it may affect them and their city directly.
The issue affects mankind as a whole, however, so it ideally would stir up concern in every
person living on the planet. Due to the time constraint imposed upon the author, not all sources
and locations of the world experiencing this issue are discussed and brought up. There are
methods in relation to combating the issue, but not all possible ways to take action are
thoroughly discussed throughout this paper. All sources used are relatively new and up-to-date so
that the statistics provide accurate readings and data that can be applied to modern times. The
sources’ publication dates range from the early 2000’s to present time.
LITERATURE REVIEW
The sources used for this paper address several areas of the topic, including the types of
pollution and how they are categorized, the effects the issue has on animals and the environment,
OCEAN POLLUTION’S EFFECT ON MARINE LIFE AND THE ENVIRONMENT
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the importance of oceans and how the damage imposed upon them directly affects the lives of
humans, the countries who play a big role in the causation of the problem, and the efforts that are
currently being made to help solve the issue. All of the sources used are fairly recent and
Types of pollution
percent of the 260 million tons of plastic the world produces yearly ends up in the Ocean (“When
the Mermaids Cry: The Great Plastic Tide”, 2018). The Washington post reported that there will
be a significantly larger amount of plastic in the ocean than fish by the year 2050 (“By 2050,
there will be more plastic than fish in the world’s oceans, study says”, 2016). However, although
plastic is one of the most abundant sources of ocean pollution, there are many other sources that
pollution stems from activities on land. Nonpoint source pollution is one of the largest sources.
This is often caused by runoff and includes both small and large sources. Small sources include
cars, boats, trucks, and septic tanks, while larger sources include ranches and farms and timber
harvest areas (“Ocean Pollution”, 2018). “Toxic chemicals, such as spilled oils and fuels in
cities, are often washed off streets, down storm drains, and into water bodies. Combustion of
fuels in automobiles and factories introduces hydrocarbons and metals into the environment.
They eventually end up in the water through atmospheric deposition or runoff. Industrial
facilities without the proper means to control runoff can also contribute toxic chemicals to the
aquatic environment” (“Pollutants from nonpoint Sources: Pesticides and Toxic Chemicals”,
OCEAN POLLUTION’S EFFECT ON MARINE LIFE AND THE ENVIRONMENT
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2017). Pesticides are also a huge problem involved with runoff pollution. “Pesticides typically
enter a waterbody through surface water runoff, often from a farm field or from neighborhoods
where they are applied on lawns. Pesticides can also enter a waterbody as a result of “spray
drift.” This occurs when the pesticide is sprayed over an area, and the wind blows some of the
Point source pollution, although occurring less often, have more drastic impacts and are
often more serious, and include issues such as “discharge from faulty or damaged factories or
According to the MarineBio Conservation Society, the ocean is home to 50-80% of all
life on Earth. Ocean Pollution reportedly affects more than 817 species of animals on the planet
Plastic is a huge issue when it comes to the pollution of the ocean. A study carried out by
the University of Georgia determined that every year, 18 billion pounds of plastic waste ends up
in our oceans. “To put that in perspective, it’s enough trash to cover every foot of coastline
around the world with five full trash bags of plastic…compounding every year” (“Ocean
Pollution: 30 Facts That Will Blow Your Mind”, 2017). It not only affects the environment, but
also animals. According to the Sea Turtle Conservancy, plastic debris kills over 1 million marine
animals yearly (“Information About Sea Turtles: Threats from Marine Debris”, 2018).
According to the United Nations Environment programme, Oceans cover more than 70
percent of the Earth’s surface. They play an integral role in our society and our daily lives. They
OCEAN POLLUTION’S EFFECT ON MARINE LIFE AND THE ENVIRONMENT
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provide us with food sources, control our climate, help supply the majority of our oxygen, and
also aid in the world’s economy (“Why Do Oceans and Seas Matter”, 2017).
The economy could be affected negatively as a result of the pollutants being released into
the Ocean. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration states, “U.S. Coastal and
marine waters support 28.3 million jobs, generate $54 billion in goods and services through
activities like shipping, boating, and tourism, and contribute $30 billion to the U.S. economy
through recreational fishing alone (Leeworthy, 2000). If pollution leads to mass die-offs of fish
and dirty-looking water, this area and others like it will experience deep financial losses”
The tourism industry largely depends on the ocean for much of its business. “Nonpoint
source pollution affects the beauty and health of coastal lands and waters,” the National Oceanic
and Atmospheric Administration states, “If the physical and environmental well-being of these
areas is diminished, people will naturally find it less appealing to visit the coast ... You can see
how nonpoint source pollution plays an indirect, though powerful role in tourists’ contributions
to a coastal community’s economic status.” NOAA also added, “Excess nonpoint source
pollution impacts the overall quality of life, and subsequently can drive property values down. If
nonpoint source pollution continues to plague the waters surrounding coastal communities, their
economies and social conditions may rapidly deteriorate” (“Nonpoint Source Pollution”, 2017).
For these reasons, the pollution issue could potentially become detrimental to the economies that
2010 study to be in the lead at 3.53 million tons of plastic waste entering into the ocean a year
(“Can You Guess Which Country is the Top Ocean Polluter?”, 2018). This is due to the fact that
the continent is heavily populated and to the amount of plastic being tossed out daily. A primary
reason for the lack of effort toward lowering the amount of waste released into the ocean is the
poor infrastructure of many developing Asian and African countries to deal with waste (“Asia,
The U.S. Department of Energy states that 1.3 gallons of petroleum are spilled yearly into
the waters of the United States (“FAQ: The Science and History of Oil Spills”, 2010). The most
oil spills have happened in the Gulf of Mexico, followed by the Northeastern U.S.,
Mediterranean Sea, Persian Gulf, North Sea, and then Japan (“FAQ: The Science and History of
DISCUSSION
Plastic is one of the most abundant and common forms of pollution in the ocean.
According to a Greenpeace report (“Plastic Debris in the World’s Oceans, 2006), 10 percent of
the 260 million tons of plastic the world produces yearly ends up in the Ocean (“When the
Mermaids Cry: The Great Plastic Tide”, 2018). This plastic is often consumed mistakenly by
species of birds and other marine animals and also traps many species which results in their
death. According to the Sea Turtle Conservancy, plastic debris kills over 1 million marine
animals yearly (“Information About Sea Turtles: Threats from Marine Debris”, 2018). According
to Green Peace, it has been discovered that 50-80% of the sea turtles found dead ingested debris
from the polluted ocean (“Plastic Debris in the World’s Oceans”, 2007). The marine debris also
OCEAN POLLUTION’S EFFECT ON MARINE LIFE AND THE ENVIRONMENT
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poses a threat involving the introduction of nonnative species into the environments affected.
“Plastic debris which floats on the oceans can act as rafts for small sea creatures to grow and
travel on. Plastic can travel for long distances and therefore there is a possibility that marine
animals and plants may travel to areas where they are non-native.” (“Plastic Debris in the
World’s Oceans”, 2007). The Washington post reported that there will be a significantly larger
amount of plastic in the ocean than fish by the year 2050 (“By 2050, there will be more plastic
than fish in the world’s oceans, study says”, 2016). The North Pacific ocean is one of the best
examples of the extremities of plastic waste pollution and its results. The Great Garbage Patch, a
patch of garbage in the North Pacific Ocean, covers vast distances, including waters from the
west coast of the United States to Japan, according to National Geographic. “About 80% of the
debris in the Great Pacific Garbage Patch comes from land-based activities in North America and
Asia” (“Great Pacific Garbage Patch”, 2014). Plastic is the primary debris found in not only the
patch but in the ocean in general due to its inexpensiveness and durability, and to the fact that it
never biodegrades (“Great Pacific Garbage Patch”, 2014). The second most polluted ocean on
the planet is the Indian Ocean, with a garbage patch the size of at least 2 million square miles
(“Plane Search Shows World's Oceans Are Full of Trash”, 2014). The area of the world that
pollutes the ocean the most is Asia, with China shown in a 2010 study to be in the lead at 3.53
million tons of plastic waste entering into the ocean a year (“Can You Guess Which Country is
the Top Ocean Polluter?”, 2018). This is due to the fact that the continent is heavily populated
and to the amount of plastic being tossed out daily. A primary reason for the lack of effort
toward lowering the amount of waste released into the ocean is the poor infrastructure of many
developing Asian and African countries to deal with waste (“Asia, Africa Cause 90% Of Plastic
OCEAN POLLUTION’S EFFECT ON MARINE LIFE AND THE ENVIRONMENT
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Pollution In World's Oceans”, 2018). Part of what makes the cleaning up process of the oceans
so difficult is that the trash is not condensed. “The term ‘patch’ suggests this floating detritus is
packed together in an oceanic version of a landfill. Instead, these ‘patches’ are actually huge
zones where debris accumulates but floats free, circulating continuously” (“Plane Search Shows
Runoff is another major problem involved with the pollution of oceans. It occurs when
there is more water present than the land can absorb (“Runoff”, 2011). There are two types of
pollution associated with runoff: point source and nonpoint source pollution. According to the
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, most ocean pollution stems from activities
on land. Nonpoint source pollution is the most common. This includes both small and large
sources (“Ocean Pollution”, 2018). Point source pollution, although occurring less often, have
more drastic impacts and are often more serious, and include issues such as “discharge from
faulty or damaged factories or water treatment systems” (“Ocean Pollution”, 2018). According to
National Geographic, the water running along the land picks up and carries with it many toxic
substances as well as litter and fertilizers (“Runoff”, 2011). This often happens as a result of
heavy rainfall, and becomes increasingly severe as the process of biomagnification takes place.
food chain” (“Runoff”, 2011). According to National Geographic, this often happens when
microbes absorb the pollutants present in runoff, the microbes are eaten by fish, and then the fish
are consumed by larger animals such as birds. This results in the amount of pollutants present in
marine life gradually increasing as the process continues to take place. The Great Barrier Reef
suffers greatly from the impact of runoff pollution. The World Wildlife Fund claims that runoff
OCEAN POLLUTION’S EFFECT ON MARINE LIFE AND THE ENVIRONMENT
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from farms is one of the greatest threats to the reef. This is because the runoff causes algal
blooms to increase, reduces sunlight which prevents the growth of coral, and encourages
biomagnification (“Examining the Major Threats to the Great Barrier Reef”, 2017). Runoff not
only affects animals and the marine environment, however, but humans as well. Businesses
based on agriculture are threatened by runoff. “In the process of erosion, runoff can carry away
the fertile layer of topsoil. Farmers rely on topsoil to grow crops. Tons of topsoil are lost to
runoff every year” (“Runoff”, 2011). The economy could suffer from this issue as well.
According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, the waters of the United
States currently support 28.3 million jobs, aiding with the production of goods and services
(“Nonpoint Source Pollution”, 2017). NOAA states, “If the physical and environmental
well-being of these areas is diminished, people will naturally find it less appealing to visit the
coast ... You can see how nonpoint source pollution plays an indirect, though powerful role in
tourists’ contributions to a coastal community’s economic status.” NOAA also added, “Excess
nonpoint source pollution impacts the overall quality of life, and subsequently can drive property
values down. If nonpoint source pollution continues to plague the waters surrounding coastal
communities, their economies and social conditions may rapidly deteriorate” (“Nonpoint Source
Pollution”, 2017). For these reasons, the pollution issue could potentially become detrimental to
Oil is another significant pollutant in the ocean. The US Department of Energy states that
1.3 gallons of petroleum are spilled yearly into the waters of the United States (“FAQ: The
Science and History of Oil Spills”, 2010). The most oil spills have happened in the Gulf of
Mexico, followed by the Northeastern U.S., Mediterranean Sea, Persian Gulf, North Sea, and
OCEAN POLLUTION’S EFFECT ON MARINE LIFE AND THE ENVIRONMENT
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then Japan (“FAQ: The Science and History of Oil Spills”, 2010). It is often caused by diffuse
sources, however, and is not solely caused by accidents involving oil tanks. “Around 5 per cent
comes from natural sources, and approximately 35 per cent comes from tanker traffic and other
shipping operations, including illegal discharges and tank cleaning. Oil inputs also include
volatile oil constituents which are emitted into the atmosphere during various types of burning
processes and then enter the water. This atmospheric share...accounts for 45 percent” (“Oil
pollution of marine habitats”, 2010). According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric
Administration, oil affects marine life in numerous ways, such as damaging the ability of
mammals’ fur to properly insulate, ridding the birds’ feathers of their water repelling properties,
and encouraging the ingestion of oil to many animals (“How Does Oil Impact Marine Life?”,
2018).
Numerous efforts have been made in order to combat the issue, such as clean-up
operations, programs devoted to educating the public on the issue, and many more. Green Peace
believes that the “Zero Waste” Strategy is an effective way to reduce pollution. It includes
recycling and reusing materials rather than just throwing them away, ecodesign, producer
responsibility, and the reduction of waste (“Plastic Debris in the World’s Oceans”, 2007).
According to the Toronto Environmental Alliance, there are many benefits to the “Zero Waste”
plan. It’s good for the economy, producing 10 times more jobs when recycling and reusing. It
also takes a significantly lower amount of energy to use recycled materials,decreases climate
change by lowering greenhouse gas emissions, and lowers the amount of trash in general that
may end up in the ocean (“Benefits of Zero Waste”, 2018). Many organizations have addressed
plastic pollution and some areas of the world have begun to ban single-use plastics in order to
OCEAN POLLUTION’S EFFECT ON MARINE LIFE AND THE ENVIRONMENT
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reduce the amount of waste present. 4Ocean is an organization that has participated in working to
fight the problem. They have used a barricade system to stop the flow of plastics into the ocean
and also sell bracelets made from the recycled materials funding the process of waste removal.
They had discovered that fishermen had often thrown away the plastic they had caught in their
fishing nets when going fishing rather than taking it back to recycle and repurpose due to the low
demand for plastic and higher demand for seafood, and they had wanted to attempt to change the
demand for plastic so that people cared more (“These 20-something surfers started a company
that's pulled 1 million pounds of garbage out of the ocean”, 2018). According to CNBC, 4Ocean
CONCLUSION
The issue of ocean pollution has grown progressively more serious over the years. With
the constant disposal of plastics, continuation of runoff, and the entrance of oil into oceans, the
problem has only grown to become worse. The issue damages the environment and harms
marine life. If action is not taken to address the issue, damage will only continue to ensue and it
may lead to the extinction of many marine species, depletion of natural resources, and the
destruction of economies based on tourism and industries involved with the ocean. Pollution is
negatively affecting the marine species survivability as well as causing destruction to the
environment and unless action is taken soon this damage potentially will become irreversible.
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