Plastic in the Ocean

 Environment and Social Issues of Plastic in the Ocean

A significant issue harming the maritime ecosystem is plastic pollution. It endangers the health of the ocean, the well-being of marine life, the safety and quality of food, human health, and coastal tourism, and it fuels climate change.

Plastic is a petroleum-based synthetic organic polymer with qualities perfect for various uses, including packaging, construction, sports and domestic equipment, cars, electronics, and agriculture. 

Numerous issues are brought on by the build-up of plastic in the water, including chemical contamination of the marine ecosystem and physical harm to marine life. Additionally, the presence of plastics in the ocean can have an aesthetic impact, making sections of the ocean where there is a lot of plastic unappealing and challenging to appreciate. 

 As the world's capacity to deal with the fast-rising output of disposable plastic goods becomes overwhelmed, plastic pollution has emerged as one of the most urgent environmental challenges. In impoverished Asian and African countries, where rubbish collection services are either ineffective or non-existent, plastic pollution is most noticeable. However, the industrialized world also has issues adequately collecting used plastics, particularly in nations with poor recycling rates. The United Nations has been trying to create a global convention because plastic waste has become pervasive.

The ingestion, asphyxia, and entanglement of several marine animals are the effects of plastic trash that are most readily apparent. Seabirds, whales, fish, and other marine animals mistake plastic debris for food; as a result, the majority of them starve to death because their stomachs are so full of plastic. Additionally, they experience internal injuries, lacerations, infections, and decreased swimming capacity. Also, floating plastics aid in spreading invasive marine organisms, endangering marine biodiversity and the food chain. 

Physical injuries and acute and chronic health issues are the most visible effects. Marine pollution can even impact entire towns, altering their social dynamics, local economies, and natural and cultural resources. The effects can range from a brief loss of income for a fisherman to a complete loss of living economically. It might even result in a general interruption of regular economic activity.

Quantitative/Numerical Impacts of Plastic in Ocean

1. More than 8 million metric tonnes of plastic annually enter the ocean. 

2. Each year, plastic waste results in the demise of approximately 100,000 marine species. 

3. The projected annual cost of plastic pollution to the world economy is above $13 billion. 

4. Over 800 marine life species have declined due to plastic pollution. 

Arguments

1.     Marine life and humans are impacted by ocean plastic waste, a global issue. Plastic entering the ocean can be decreased through individual actions such as beach clean-ups, plastic bag bans, and public awareness campaigns.

2.     Ocean plastic pollution is a severe environmental issue wreaking havoc. A personal initiative can assist in educating the public and lowering the amount of plastic that enters the ocean. (IUCN, n.d.) Plastic microfibers in seafood are one example of how plastic pollution in the ocean can directly affect human health. Reducing the amount of plastic that enters the ocean on a personal level can help lower the risk of plastic-related health problems.

4.     Marine life is negatively impacted by plastic in the water due to entanglement, ingestion, and food chain disruption. By reducing the amount of plastic that enters the ocean, individual action can also lessen its effects on marine life.

5.   Taking personal initiative to remove plastic from the ocean might encourage and urge others to do the same.