How the Plastic Plague is Devastating Our Oceans
Published on 12/1/24
Written by Jessica Colla
If you’ve ever stood on a beach and wondered how the ocean’s beauty could coexist with the heartbreak of plastic pollution, this blog is for you. Join me as I share personal experiences from the frontlines of marine debris cleanup, the stark realities of its global impact, and the inspiring efforts of those fighting for a cleaner, healthier ocean. Together, we can explore how to turn awareness into action for the future of our planet.
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Marine debris is a complex and pressing environmental crisis impacting oceans worldwide. It’s a subject I am deeply passionate about as a professional marine biologist. Over the years, witnessing its devastating effects on our oceans and marine life has profoundly shaped my conservation journey.
From remote islands to bustling coastlines, I’ve seen the evidence of our civilization’s trash everywhere. Ironically, the most isolated places I’ve lived often had the worst accumulation—plastic and other waste carried by ocean currents and storm surge, littering once-pristine landscapes and forever altering ecosystems.
I’ve lived all over the world, but I haven’t been anywhere on this planet that was too isolated for our civilization’s trash.
I will never forget how helpless I felt removing hundreds of pounds of trash from our local beach DAILY after Cyclone Winston, widely considered to be one of the worst Category 5’s in recent Fijian history. Or how gut-wrenching it felt to see Kamilo Beach on the south side of Hawai’i; so riddled with trash originating from thousands of miles away that the entire beach was literally made of tiny pieces of plastic called microplastic instead of sand.
While the effects of marine debris are heartbreaking, I’ve also encountered remarkable individuals dedicating their lives to tackling this issue. Scientists, conservationists, volunteers, and entrepreneurs are all working tirelessly to clean up, study, and innovate solutions for a more sustainable future. Their inspiring work fuels my mission to educate others, empower the next generation, and push for a world where plastic doesn’t plague our oceans.
What Is Marine Debris?
In the simplest of terms, marine debris is ocean trash. In more scientific terms, it is “any persistent solid material manufactured or processed by humans, disposed of or abandoned in the marine environment.” Marine debris comes in many forms: plastic, glass, metal, rubber, wood, paper, and cloth. Among these, plastic is the most dangerous and persistent pollutant, posing severe threats to marine ecosystems due to is chemical and physical properties.
Marine debris can enter the ocean either directly or indirectly—whether dumped into the sea or washed off nearby land by rain and wind. Although frequently vilified, ocean-bound debris can either be intentional or unintentional:
INTENTIONAL LITTERING:
Definition - the conscious, inappropriate disposal of waste
Ex. a person flicking a cigarette into the ocean while at the beach, or a corporation disposing its factory waste along a nearby riverbank.
ACCIDENTIAL POLLUTION:
Definition - the result of sudden events, independent of human will
Ex. a fisherman losing part of their net into the ocean, or a piece of trash blowing out of a rubbish bin and into a nearby waterway.
Why Is Marine Debris a Problem?
The first fully synthetic plastic (not derived of natural materials like rubber or cellulose) was invented in 1907. Over the next few decades, plastic transitioned from a revolutionary material with diverse applications to a centerpiece of “throwaway culture,” fueled by convenience and disposability. Today, single-use plastics account for a significant portion of plastic waste and the global marine debris crisis.
A study by the United Nations Environment Program (UNEP) found that over a third of debris found in the ocean was macro-plastic, 89% of which were single-use products like single use straws, plastic bags and cutlery.
Unlike other materials, plastic doesn’t biodegrade, meaning it cannot break down into it’s original natural components by living organism(s) or bacteria in the environment. Instead, it breaks up into smaller and smaller fragments over hundreds of years, remaining in the environment indefinitely. Every plastic item we’ve ever used is still on the planet in some form, whether whole or as tiny pieces called microplastics.
Plastic pollution is staggering: an estimated 8 million metric tons of plastic enter the ocean EVERY YEAR—roughly equivalent to five full trash bags for every foot of coastline worldwide. Shockingly, about half of all discarded plastic is classified as “single-use,” including food wrappers, drink containers, and disposable hygiene products.
Most buoyant marine debris ends up in ocean gyres, large systems of rotating currents that trap floating trash. The North Pacific Garbage Patch, for example, spans an area roughly one-third the size of Europe, making it the largest “floating trash island” in the world. However, only about 1% of marine debris is visible—the rest either sinks to the ocean floor or breaks down into microplastics, creating an invisible but pervasive threat. Almost like plastic soup.
Impacts of Marine Debris on Ocean Ecosystems
The consequences of marine debris are vast, affecting marine life, entire ocean ecosystems, and even human communities.
Consumption of Plastic:
Plastic pollution infiltrates every level of the food chain, with devastating effects on marine species and, ultimately, humans at the top! As plastic breaks down into microplastics—tiny fragments smaller than 5 millimeters—it creates a pervasive pollutant that resembles plankton, the foundation of the marine food web. In some regions of the ocean, there is six times more plastic than plankton, leading marine animals to mistakenly eat plastic instead of their nutrient-rich food.
SEABIRDS:
Seabirds such as albatrosses and petrels hunt by skimming the ocean’s surface for shiny or reflective objects that resemble fish or squid. Unfortunately, this behavior often leads them to ingest plastic fragments. Parent birds inadvertently regurgitate these plastics to feed their chicks, filling their stomachs with indigestible material. The plastic blocks the chicks' ability to eat or digest real food, leading to malnutrition, dehydration, and even starvation. Studies show that over 40% of all seabird species have ingested plastic, a number expected to rise as plastic continues to enter the ocean.
SEA TURTLES:
Sea turtles are particularly vulnerable to marine debris due to their reliance on jellyfish as a food source. Floating plastic bags and other transparent & semi-transparent debris closely resemble jellyfish in appearance, and sea turtles can have a difficult time distinguishing between what is edible and what is not. Once ingested, the plastic can obstruct the turtle's digestive system, leading to starvation, or trap positively-buoyant gases inside its body, impairing its ability to dive down for food or to avoid predators.
WHALES & DOLPHINS:
Both baleen whales (filter feeders) and toothed whales (predators) are affected by plastic debris. Baleen whales feed by engulfing large volumes of water and filtering out tiny prey like krill and small fish. Indiscernible plastic fragments floating among the prey are swallowed in the process. Toothed whales and dolphins, on the other hand, consume prey that may have ingested plastic, creating a domino effect of contamination called bio-accumulation. These plastics can accumulate in their stomachs or tissues, causing internal injuries, blockages, and exposure to harmful chemicals.
FISH & SHELLFISH:
Many species of fish and shellfish consume microplastics, mistaking them for food particles. These microplastics - pitted from saltwater, cracking from the sun and often laden with toxic chemicals - are transferred up the food chain, potentially reaching humans through our seafood consumption.
entanglement of marine organisms:
Many marine species suffer injuries or death from entanglement in marine debris, particularly "ghost gear" such as fishing nets, lines, and ropes. An estimated 640,000 metric tons of fishing gear are abandoned, lost, or discarded in the ocean each year. This gear continues to trap and kill marine life long after its intended use, perpetuating a deadly cycle that devastates ecosystems worldwide.
SEALS & SEA LIONS:
These playful and curious marine mammals are particularly vulnerable to entanglement. They often encounter discarded fishing nets, plastic bands, or packing straps while foraging for food or playing. These items can loop around their necks, flippers, or bodies, tightening as the animal grows or moves, leading to deep lacerations, infections, and restricted movement. Entangled seals may struggle to dive for food or escape predators, ultimately resulting in starvation or drowning.
SHARKS & RAYS:
Sharks and rays frequently become ensnared in ghost nets and longline fishing gear. Entanglement can cause severe injuries, such as cuts from fishing lines that can expose tissue or even bones. These injuries not only impair their ability to hunt and navigate but also make them more susceptible to predators and infections. For most species of sharks, which are unable to swim backwards, they cannot rid themselves of the entanglement. Other species like manta rays, which rely on graceful movement to feed, entanglement can be particularly catastrophic.
SEA TURTLES:
Sea turtles are at significant risk of entanglement throughout their lives. Juvenile turtles often get caught in floating nets or plastic loops, which restrict their ability to swim, feed, or surface for air. In many cases, entanglement can lead to amputations of flippers or prolonged stress that impacts their survival. Additionally, female turtles entangled in debris may be unable to return to nesting beaches, disrupting their reproductive cycles.
WHALES & DOLPHINS:
Larger marine mammals, such as whales and dolphins, frequently encounter fishing gear and marine debris while feeding or traveling. Baleen whales, which feed by filtering vast amounts of water, can become entangled in nets that obstruct their mouths or trap their flippers and tails. This can result in exhaustion as they struggle to swim, leading to drowning or starvation. Dolphins, known for their playful nature, often investigate floating debris and become ensnared, causing injuries that impair their movement and hunting abilities.
SEABIRDS:
Many seabirds, especially diving species, can get tangled in fishing lines or nets while hunting for fish. Entanglement can restrict their ability to fly or dive, leaving them unable to forage or escape predators. In severe cases, entangled seabirds drown or succumb to exhaustion and injuries.
Damage to Marine Habitats:
Marine debris also inflicts significant physical harm on marine habitats by cutting down or smothering large areas of habitat-forming organisms, disrupting delicate ecosystems that countless species rely on for survival.
CORAL REEFS:
Marine debris, especially plastic waste, poses a direct physical threat to coral reefs, breaking off pieces of coral and disrupting their ability to grow and regenerate. Debris can also smother reefs, blocking sunlight and preventing essential photosynthesis. The toxins released by plastics can also exacerbate other issues like coral bleaching, which can lead to partial or complete mortality. Coral reefs are home to more than 25% of all ocean life, so protection is paramount for their survival and all that rely on them.
SEAGRASS BEDS:
Seagrass beds are essential to the health of coastal ecosystems, providing habitat, food, and nursery grounds for various marine species. Debris can bury seagrasses, reducing light availability and damaging these vital ecosystems. Fishing nets and other forms of debris can also uproot seagrass, causing further degradation of the habitat and impact their carbon sequestration services on both the local ecosystem and global climate.
KELP FORESTS:
Kelp forests provide shelter and food for a diverse range of marine life, acting as an underwater ecosystem equivalent to a terrestrial forest. Marine debris, especially plastics, can entangle and break apart kelp, preventing it from growing and disrupting the food web that depends on these rich environments. Additionally, heavy debris like fishing gear can damage the structures of kelp forests, leading to a loss of biodiversity or even introduce toxins that can disrupt the reproductive cycle of certain kelp species.
POLAR ICE:
In the polar regions, marine debris can accumulate both on top of and within the ice. Freezing temperatures cause larger pieces of plastic marine debris to become more brittle, accelerating the breakdown into smaller microplastics. These microplastics enter the food chain of polar and sub-polar fish species, many of which are commercially fished by humans. Microplastics also become trapped in the ice, absorbing more heat than the surrounding ice and increasing the rate of thaw. This accelerates the loss of ice habitats that polar species rely on for survival. Finally, melted ice releases the debris back into the marine environment, contaminating previously pristine waters and habitats beneath the ice.
What Can Be Done?
While the challenges posed by marine debris are immense, viable solutions are within reach! By combining science, innovation, and perseverance, all of us can make a difference. Here’s how:
Reduce Single-Use Plastics:
Transitioning to reusable alternatives is one of the most effective ways individuals can reduce their plastic footprint. Opt for reusable bags, bottles, straws, and containers, and support businesses that prioritize sustainable practices and biodegradable materials. As consumers, demand for eco-friendly products can drive market shifts away from single-use plastics and towards sustainable materials.
Check out my article on 6 Home Habits for a Healthier Ocean for more information on sustainability from home! Going on a beach vacation soon? This article on Preserving Paradise: 7 Ways to Protect Coral Reefs on Your Next Tropical Getaway provides actionable tips on how to protect your destination!
Here are some of my favorite sustainable swaps to reduce the single-use-plastics in your life:
Looking for more inspiration? Check out the Sustainability Solutions section in my Ocean Lover’s Essentials Shop for more ideas!
Participate in Community Cleanups:
Local beach cleanups and waterway restoration events offer hands-on opportunities to combat marine debris. These efforts not only remove trash from sensitive habitats but also raise awareness about the issue at the community level. Organizing or joining cleanup events through larger organizations like the Ocean Conservancy or Surfrider Foundation amplifies our actions, while local organizations foster a sense of community responsibility.
Advocate for Policy Change:
Advocacy is a powerful tool for addressing the root causes of marine debris. Support policies that limit plastic production (especially single-use plastics), promote circular economies, and improve recycling systems. Push for corporate accountability in waste management and participate in initiatives that encourage governments to prioritize sustainable waste solutions. Back stronger regulations on marine fisheries who contribute significantly to marine debris, including penalties for intentional discarding of fishing gear and requirements for tracking and recovering ghost gear to minimize its environmental impact.
Embrace Education and Inspiration:
Awareness is the foundation for action. Share knowledge about the harmful effects of marine debris with friends, family, and your community. Schools, social media, and local events are great platforms to inspire change. Creative campaigns or visual storytelling, like showcasing the journey of ocean-cleanup technologies or documenting affected marine life, can make this issue personal and compelling.
Innovate and Support Cleanup Technologies:
Emerging technologies, such as floating ocean-cleanup systems and microplastic filters, offer promising solutions to address marine debris at scale. Supporting organizations like The Ocean Cleanup or investing in innovations focused on ocean sustainability can accelerate progress in removing existing debris from waterways and preventing future pollution.
Make Sustainable Choices Daily:
Even small lifestyle changes can have a significant impact on our plastic consumption and carbon footprint. Choose products with minimal packaging, buy in bulk to reduce waste, and compost organic materials when possible. Avoid products containing microplastics, such as certain cosmetics or cleaning agents, and opt for natural alternatives instead.
The Future of Our Oceans
Marine debris is one of the most significant environmental crises of our time, threatening marine life, ecosystems, and humans alike. But through education, collaboration, and action, we can work toward a cleaner, healthier and more sustainable ocean for future generations. By reducing our reliance on single-use plastics, supporting impactful legislation, and fostering a global culture of environmental stewardship, we can “turn the tide” on plastic pollution. Together, let’s commit to a future where plastic pollution is a thing of the past.
How would YOU fight the plastic plague in your own life?? Let us know in the comments below!
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