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The Impact of Marine Pollution

Marine pollution, primarily from land sources, severely impacts ecosystems, marine life, and human health through plastics, chemicals, and oil spills. The consequences include threats to biodiversity, economic instability in fishing and tourism, and health risks from contaminated seafood. Efforts to combat this issue involve international treaties, cleanup initiatives, and conservation projects aimed at restoring marine environments and promoting sustainable practices.

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36 views29 pages

The Impact of Marine Pollution

Marine pollution, primarily from land sources, severely impacts ecosystems, marine life, and human health through plastics, chemicals, and oil spills. The consequences include threats to biodiversity, economic instability in fishing and tourism, and health risks from contaminated seafood. Efforts to combat this issue involve international treaties, cleanup initiatives, and conservation projects aimed at restoring marine environments and promoting sustainable practices.

Uploaded by

Jerald Mercado
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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THE IMPACT OF MARINE

POLLUTION

Understanding
Causes and
Consequences
Marine pollution is a
combination of chemicals
and trash, most of which
comes from land sources
and is washed or blown into
the ocean. This pollution
results in damage to the
environment, to the health of
all organisms, and to
economic structures
worldwide.
Types of Marine
Pollution
PLASTICS
Plastic bottles, bags, cigarette
butts, plastic pieces, straws, tires,
netting etc., threaten the marine
ecosystem as fish and other
creatures get entangled in them,
suffocate and die. Turtles and
seabirds can sometimes confuse
them with food and even digest
them, causing a rupture in their
digestive system and eventual
death through starvation.
CHEMICALS
Pollution can be defined
as the entry of
contaminants into
oceans. These artificial
chemicals are harmful
and are usually released
far from the coastlines.
SPILLS
Oil spills can occur when tankers
are transporting crude oil at sea.Oil
forms a thin film on the water’s
surface, preventing the dissolution
of oxygen in the water. In coastal
areas, it can pollute the beaches
and kill seabirds. When oil is coated
in a bird’s wings, it cannot fly, and
its feathers are stripped of their
insulating properties, resulting in
death due to hypothermia.
Pollution From Noise Made by
Ships and Maritime Equipment
Marine pollution is not only plastic or
other pollutants that are tangible, but
it includes other intangible aspects
such as noise pollution. Many
marine mammals, like whales and
dolphins, do not have sharp
eyesight. They understand their
surroundings and communicate with
their species over large distances
using sounds. This is known as
echolocation.
AIR POLLUTION

The contamination of air due


to the presence of
substances called pollutants
in the atmosphere that are
harmful to the health of
humans and other living
beings, or cause damage to
the climate or to materials.
Sources of
Marine
Pollution
Sources of Marine
Pollution
Marine pollution is a
combination of chemicals and
trash, most of which comes from
land sources and is washed or
blown into the ocean. This
pollution results in damage to
the environment, to the health of
all organisms, and to economic
structures worldwide.
Effects on Marine Life
Pollution significantly impacts marine
organisms in several critical ways. It
poses health risks by causing
diseases and weakening immune
systems, which can lead to higher
mortality rates. In terms of
reproduction, contaminants such as
heavy metals and chemicals disrupt
hormonal systems, affecting fertility
and the healthy development of
offspring.
Effects on Ecosystems
Coral Reefs
Coral reefs are highly sensitive to
changes in water temperature,
acidity, and pollution. Climate change
leads to coral bleaching, where
corals expel the algae living in their
tissues, causing them to turn white
and often die. Rising sea levels and
increased storm intensity also
damage reef structures.Overfishing
and destructive fishing practices
further degrade these ecosystems.
MANGROVES
Mangroves act as natural barriers
against storm surges and coastal
erosion. They also provide critical
habitats for many marine species.
However, mangroves are being
destroyed at an alarming rate due to
coastal development, aquaculture, and
pollution. Climate change exacerbates
these issues by altering sea levels and
increasing the frequency of extreme
weather events.
Other Ecosystems
• Seagrasses, salt marshes, and other coastal ecosystems also
play vital roles in carbon sequestration, water filtration, and
providing habitats for diverse species. Like coral reefs and
mangroves, these ecosystems are threatened by pollution,
climate change, and human activities.

• Protecting and restoring these ecosystems is essential for


maintaining their ecological functions and the benefits they
provide to human communities. Efforts include establishing
marine protected areas, restoring degraded habitats, and
implementing sustainable development practices.
Human Impact
The health of our oceans has a
profound impact on human health and
livelihoods, particularly in sectors like
the fishing industry and tourism.
Human Health
• Pollution and Contamination: Marine pollutants,
such as heavy metals and chemicals, can
accumulate in seafood, posing health risks to
consumers. Contaminated seafood can lead to
serious health issues, including neurological and
developmental problems.
• Mental Health: Coastal communities often
experience stress and anxiety due to the
degradation of marine environments, which can
affect their way of life and economic stability.
Health Impacts
• Nutritional Benefits: Seafood is a major source of protein and
essential nutrients for millions of people worldwide. However,
overfishing and pollution can compromise the safety and
availability of seafood, leading to nutritional deficiencies.
• Exposure to Pollutants: Marine pollution, including oil spills and
plastic waste, can lead to health issues such as respiratory
problems, skin conditions, and even long-term diseases due to
exposure to toxic substances.
• Mental Health: Coastal and marine environments are known to
have positive effects on mental health, providing recreational
spaces that reduce stress and improve well-being.
Livelihood Impacts
• Fishing Industry: The livelihoods of millions depend on fishing.
Overfishing, climate change, and illegal fishing practices threaten fish
stocks, leading to economic instability for fishing communities4.
• Tourism: Coastal tourism generates significant income and
employment. However, it can also lead to environmental degradation,
which in turn affects the very resources that attract tourists1.
Sustainable tourism practices are essential to balance economic
benefits with environmental protection.
• Economic Dependency: Many coastal communities rely heavily on
marine resources. Disruptions in these industries can lead to
economic hardships, affecting local economies and increasing poverty
levels
Global Consequences
Climate change
• Refers to long-term

shifts in temperature
and weather patterns,
significantly influenced
by human activities,
impacting marine
environments.
Ocean Acidification
• The worldwide reduction in
the pH of seawater as a
consequence of the
absorption of large amounts
of carbon dioxide (CO2) by
the oceans.
Current Efforts to
Combat Marine Pollution
International Treaties:
• United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea
(UNCLOS): Establishes guidelines for the use of the
oceans and their resources, promoting sustainable
practices.
• Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD): Aims to
protect marine biodiversity and promote sustainable
use of marine resources.
• Paris Agreement: Addresses climate change impacts
affecting marine ecosystems, encouraging global
cooperation to reduce emissions.
Cleanup Projects
• Ocean Cleanup Initiative: Focuses on removing plastic
pollution from the ocean, utilizing advanced technologies
to collect debris.
• International Coastal Cleanup: Engages volunteers
worldwide in cleaning up beaches and coastal areas,
raising awareness about marine pollution.
• Great Pacific Garbage Patch Cleanup: Targets one of the
largest concentrations of ocean plastic, aiming to restore
marine health.
Conservation Efforts:
• Marine Protected Areas (MPAs): Designated regions
aimed at conserving marine biodiversity and restoring
fish populations by limiting human activities.
• Restoration Projects: Initiatives to restore habitats such
as coral reefs and mangroves, which provide essential
ecosystem services.
• Sustainable Fishing Practices: Encouragement of
practices that reduce bycatch and allow fish populations
to recover, ensuring long-term viability.
What You Can Do:
Some ways to reduce pollution
include reducing the use of fossil
fuels, using public transportation,
recycling, and using environmentally
friendly products. Additionally,
reducing greenhouse gas emissions,
promoting renewable energy, and
using energy-efficient appliances can
help reduce pollution.
• Marine pollution poses a significant threat to
ocean health, biodiversity, and human livelihoods,
stemming from sources like plastics, chemicals,
and oil spills. Its global consequences impact not
only marine ecosystems but also coastal
economies and public health. International
treaties and initiatives, such as the Ocean
Cleanup and Marine Protected Areas, are crucial
for addressing these challenges. Collective action
is essential to develop and enforce regulations,
raise awareness, share knowledge, and engage
communities in conservation efforts. By
collaborating across sectors and borders, we can
effectively reduce marine pollution and ensure
sustainable use of ocean resources for future
generation.

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