Marine Debris: A World Problem

Marine Debris: A World Problem

Water pollution is a major environmental problem the world is currently facing. Several factors contribute to this. Among these, marine debris is one of the most pervasive. These solid wastes, as they are not disposed properly, accumulate in the bodies of water especially in the marine biomes and poses ecological threat.

Scientists define marine debris as any man-made material that enters the marine and coastal environment due to numerous processes, including careless handling or disposal, intentional or unintentional release of materials or as a result of natural disasters and storms. Simply speaking, it is anything that does not naturally belong to the ocean. Each year, as the global population rises, the total wastes produced by mankind increases. It is estimated that about 6.4 million tons of garbage reach the marine biomes yearly (UNEP, 2005).

Sources of Marine Debris

Across the shores to distant seas, solid wastes such as bottles, plastic bags, fishnets, clothing, tires, and just a myriad of man-made items all share a common origin. This origin or sources of marine litters are two major categories that can be classified into two: land-based sources and sea-based sources.

Marine debris from land-based sources is blown into the sea, washes into the sea or is discharged into the sea. According to the United Nations Joint Group of Experts on the Scientific Aspects of Marine Pollution, land-based sources can account for up to 80 percent of the world’s marine pollution (Sheavly, 2007). Land-based sources include the following:

• Storm Water Discharges:

Every rain events, storms produce run-off water that goes straight to the rivers or the ocean. This run-off can wash away solid wastes and rubbish on the streets that are then discharged straight into the marine environment.

• Solid Waste Disposal and Landfills:

For the same case, run-off water from landfills near bodies of water might have its way into the marine biome. In addition to loss from landfills, garbage may be lost to the marine environment during its collection or transportation. Illegal dumping of domestic or industrial wastes into coastal and marine waters is another source of marine debris (Sheavly, 2005)

Source: Ocean Conservancy

Marine debris from sea-based sources possibly originates from accidents or illegal disposal of offshore industrial platforms. Ocean-based sources of marine debris include:

• Recreational Boaters:

Boaters may deposit garbage overboard such as bags, food packaging and fishing gear.

• Offshore Oil and Gas Platforms and Exploration:

Activities on oil and