What is Ocean Pollution?

Ocean Pollution, also known as marine pollution, is a combination of chemicals and trash, most of which comes from the land sources, and it is eventually washed or blown into the ocean. This is all due to improper disposal or trash and other wastes. This pollution results in many damages to the environment, health organisms, and economic structures worldwide.

Ocean pollution is a growing problem in today’s world. Our ocean is being polluted by two types of waste: Chemical and trash wastes. 

Chemical contamination, sometimes referred to as nutrient pollution is the type of pollution which occurs when human activities lead to the runoff of chemicals into waterways that lead into the ocean flow. The increased concentration of chemicals causes the coastal ocean to grow toxic algal blooms which are toxic to wildlife and harmful to humans. This then later leads to negative effects such as decrease in local fishing and tourism industries.

Marine trash encompasses all manufactured products, most of them made of plastic, that ends up in the ocean. Littering, poor waste management and storm winds all contribute to the accumulation of this debris, 80% percent of which comes from land sources. Marine debris can constitute plastic bags, plastic items like beverage bottles, caps, fishing gear. Plastic waste is especially problematic as a pollutant because it is long-lasting. Plastic can take hundreds of years to decompose. This trash presents a danger to both humans and animals a like. Fish become entangled and injured in debris and some animals mistake plastic items for food. Solutions for ocean pollution include prevention and clean up efforts.

Signing petitions or contacting decision makers about specific causes like the protection of marine life or endangered species. Properly disposal of trash, plastic and other recyclable materials is one of the simplest ways to reduce ocean pollution. In outdoor spaces, such as beaches and parks, dispose of trash in a secure bin or take it home with you and dispose it then.

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