The ocean is also the endpoint for thousands of rivers, which carry tonnes of loose litter and waste from landfills, ultimately depositing it into the sea. Because it’s so frequently produced and so rapidly discarded, single-use plastic increases the amount of waste entering landfills, and in turn, that increases the amount that inevitably escapes into the environment. As fish die, other. When animals consume plastic, it can cause intestinal blockages, abrasion and punctures in the internal organs, and starvation because they are too full of plastic to eat. Furthermore, plastics absorb pollutants that are floating around in the ocean, and contain harmful chemicals themselves. “Once in the ocean, plastic waste will stay there for hundreds of years or longer. Plastic pollution is so pervasive that it’s been found in some of the wildest and most remote locations on our planet, including Antarctica, and the deepest canyons of the Mariana trench. | Powered by WordPress, After an autopsy, they discovered that the pilot whale had, The plastic that sits on the surface of the water prevents light from reaching plankton and algae—organisms that cannot survive without photosynthesis. Recycling plastic wherever possible is also important. “The most important thing we must do is stop plastic from getting into the ocean in the first place, because it is not feasible or cost-effective to do large-scale cleanups,” says Lau. Additionally, a million seabirds and 100,000 marine mammals die annually because of plastic waste. Then they can help us taken the necessary steps to reduce our plastic consumption, reuse what we have, and recycle what we can no longer use. There is a smaller patch in the Pacific, as well as one in each of the other oceans. Advances in developing biodegradable plastics could also have a huge impact on ocean health: researchers are currently working on a bioplastic that degrades in seawater, which could ultimately reduce the amount of waste that accumulates there. The Maritime Executive Once animals consume it, ingested plastic can pierce internal organs or cause fatal intestinal blockages; it also leads to starvation, because a stomach crammed with plastic gives an animal the illusion of being full. By Rystad... By [By Oriana Skylar Mastro] One concern is that plastics in the ocean eventually degrades into nano-plastics, which are so small they could enter human cells when consumed. In Europe, they are looking at coupling with... © Copyright 2020 The Maritime Executive, LLC. The finding mirrors the view of shipowner Scorpio Bulkers, which is exiting the dry bulk sector and investing in high-end WTIVs in anticipation of high future day rates. The whale likely thought the plastic bags were food, but the plastic in its stomach prevented it from finding real food. Mary Flora Hart is a UK-based freelance illustrator specialising in immersive scenes with high levels of detail. The human is intelligent enough to understand that the plastic is not the things to eat but the animals don’t. In 2019, experts called for more research into the effect of micro- and nano-plastics on human health. It is estimated that plastic debris has affected almost 10 percent of all North Pacific Ocean fish. Why is the ocean so badly affected by plastic? This ubiquitous material is designed to be very durable – and as a result much of it doesn’t biodegrade. Some of these plastic toxins are linked to hormonal abnormalities, and developmental problems. Researchers and innovators are developing solutions to stop plastic getting into the sea. China Dialogue Ocean Unfortunately, it is not the only garbage patch in our oceans. Many fish also think that microplastics are food. The European Space Agency is even using its satellites to track plastic waste from space, in the hopes of informing new policies that will limit plastic pollution. Research also shows that more than 800 coastal and marine species are directly affected by plastic waste through entanglement, ingestion, or damage to their habitats. This will beautiful our land and return the marine ecosystems back to normal—meaning our wildlife will live long, healthy lives again. Plastics can also carry harmful chemicals and leach BPA into the animal’s body. And if we continue producing plastic at current rates, the amount could outweigh all the fish in the sea by 2050. Supporting campaigns and policy changes that reduce the production of unnecessary plastics is crucial, too. China claims it has not militarized the South China Sea, but that the United States “is the real pusher of militarization” in these waters. -  Designed by Thrive Themes This causes the organisms to die, which creates a food shortage for the fish. 11-27-2020 06:27:02. The Great Pacific Garbage Patch, also know as the Pacific Trash Vortex … What makes the ocean so vulnerable to plastic pollution – and what can we do to limit the amount that gets in? The Great Pacific Garbage Patch is 1.6 million square kilometers, which is twice the size of Texas and three times the size of France. The vessel's hull was built by Vard's Braila yard in Romania, and initially her outfitting and delivery were slated for completion at Vard Brevik. Extreme weather and high winds brings it there, and pollution along coastlines gets swiftly hauled out by the tides. It spit out five plastic bags. Along the way, it infiltrates ecosystems and causes untold harm to marine life. One concern is that plastics in the ocean eventually degrades into nano-plastics, which are so small they could enter human cells when consumed. This article appears courtesy of China Dialogue Ocean, and it may be found in its original form here. The worst part? Floating plastic also accumulates microbes and algae on the surface that gives it an odour that’s appetising to some sea animals. Emma Bryce is a freelance journalist who covers stories focused on the environment, conservation and climate change. So when humans eat seafood, we’re consuming these, too. Globally, we produce more than 300 million tons of plastic waste each year, and that number is rising. There are even more who do not know the problem exists. Now that’s being extended to gradually phase out single-use plastics across the country by 2025. Abandoned plastic fishing nets and longlines – known as ghost gear – is also a large source, making up about 10% of plastic waste at sea.