What do we do about the litter in the sea?

Litter affects waters, oceans, and coastlines around the globe and has far-reaching ecological, economic, and social consequences. Marine debris can consist of plastic, glass, metal, rubber, or fishing gear and can be found in all marine environments, destroying ecosystems, threatening biodiversity, and harming wildlife

Over 8 million metric tons of plastic waste enters the ocean every year, which is equivalent to dumping one garbage truck of plastic into the ocean every minute. The Great Pacific Garbage Patch, located between California and Hawaii, is one of the most well-known examples of plastic accumulation in the ocean. It covers an estimated area of 1.6 million square kilometers (617,763 square miles), roughly twice the size of Texas. Microplastics, tiny pieces of plastic less than 5mm in size, have been found in remote areas of the ocean, including deep-sea sediments and Arctic ice.

This waste has significant impacts on the ocean’s plant and animal life, as well as the water itself, not to mention the humans who rely on it for food, trade, and community.

Animals:

Marine animals, including seabirds, sea turtles, seals, dolphins, and whales, can become entangled in various forms of ocean litter, such as discarded fishing nets, ropes, and plastic debris. This leads to injuries, restricting movement, impairing feeding and swimming abilities, and even leading to suffocation or drowning.

Marine organisms, from small fish to large mammals, often mistake plastic debris for food and ingest it which can block the digestive system, or cause lacerations, punctures, and internal injuries in the digestive tract of marine animals. Additionally, plastics can contain and absorb toxic chemicals from the surrounding seawater. When marine organisms ingest plastic, they can also absorb these chemicals, potentially leading to poisoning and harmful health effects, both in themselves and the predators that ingest them.

Floating microplastics are easily mistaken for food by planktonic larvae and juvenile organisms. Ingesting these microplastics can reduce growth rates, impair development, and increase mortality rates.

Vegetation and Habitats

Plastic and other rubbish can destroy marine habitats such as coral reefs, seagrass beds, and coastal areas. It smothers and suffocates benthic organisms (seafloor creatures), disrupting the structure and functioning of ecosystems, and negatively impacting the overall health and biodiversity of these habitats.

Litter in nesting areas can also impact the reproductive success and growth rates of marine organisms. For example, sea turtles rely on beaches for nesting, and litter on the shoreline can hinder that process, disorient hatchlings, and increase the risk of predation.

What can we do?

Addressing the widespread issue of ocean litter requires global collaboration, concerted efforts at all levels, and a combination of prevention, clean-up, and policy interventions. Initiatives such as beach clean-ups, waste management improvements, and the development of sustainable alternatives to single-use plastics are crucial steps toward reducing litter and protecting the health of our oceans. The United Nations has recognised the issue and the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly Goal 14 (Life Below Water), include targets to reduce marine pollution, prevent and significantly reduce marine debris, and promote sustainable use of marine resources.

Individuals:

1. Reduce Single-Use Plastics: Opt for reusable alternatives such as reusable water bottles, shopping bags, and coffee cups. Avoid single-use plastics like straws, plastic cutlery, and disposable packaging whenever possible.
2. Proper Waste Disposal: Dispose of waste responsibly by recycling and using designated trash bins. Avoid littering and participate in local beach and coastal clean-up activities.
3. Educate and Raise Awareness: Spread knowledge about the impacts of ocean litter through conversations, social media, and community initiatives. Encourage others to adopt sustainable practices and make environmentally conscious choices.

Businesses:

1. Sustainable Packaging and Practices: Businesses can adopt sustainable packaging solutions, minimise single-use plastics, and promote eco-friendly practices throughout their operations.
2. Responsible Waste Management: Implement effective waste management systems to reduce waste generation, increase recycling rates, and prevent litter from entering the environment.
3. Innovation and Collaboration: Encourage the development of innovative solutions to reduce plastic waste, such as biodegradable materials, packaging alternatives, and closed-loop recycling systems. Collaborate with stakeholders, including governments and NGOs, to address the issue collectively.

Additionally, we can put pressure on councils and governments to take action. Write to your local representative and ask them for the following commitments:

1. Enact and enforce comprehensive policies and regulations to reduce plastic pollution, promote sustainable waste management, and encourage the use of environmentally friendly alternatives.
2. Invest in waste management infrastructure, including recycling facilities and waste treatment plants, to improve collection, sorting, and recycling capabilities.
3. Implement educational programs to raise awareness about the impacts of ocean litter, promote responsible behaviour, and encourage sustainable practices at the community level.
4. Collaborate with other governments, international organisations, and stakeholders to develop and implement global initiatives to address ocean litter, such as the reduction of marine debris and the promotion of sustainable practices.

It is crucial to recognise that solving the issue of ocean litter requires long-term commitment, multi-sectoral collaboration, and behavioural changes at various levels. By working together, individuals, businesses, and governments can make a significant impact in reducing litter and protecting the health of our oceans and marine ecosystems.