The Impact of Microplastics on Marine Ecosystems

Microplastics have become a significant problem in our oceans, with an estimated 15 to 51 trillion microplastic particles floating in the oceans worldwide, according to a 2017 UN estimate. This is 500 times the number of stars in our galaxy. Microplastics are small plastic particles that are less than 5 millimeters in size, and they can come from a variety of sources, including plastic bags, microbeads, and synthetic fibers from clothing.

The impact of microplastics on marine life is a pressing issue that affects not only the environment but also human health. With over 300 million tons of plastic produced annually, at least 8 million tons of plastic end up in our oceans every year. Plastic debris is currently the most abundant form of marine litter, making up 80% of all marine debris from surface waters to deep-sea sediments.

The Effects of Microplastics on Marine Animals

Microplastics can be ingested by a wide variety of marine animals, from the smallest plankton to giant whales. Mussels, oysters, and other filter-feeding animals trap them while performing this vital function. Fish and whales mistake them for plankton or small fish, and other animals, like crabs, inhale them through their gills and then swallow them.

The impact of microplastics on marine animals can be devastating. When microplastics are ingested, they can block the digestive system of the animal, preventing it from digesting food and absorbing the nutrients it needs to survive. Over time, this can lead to malnutrition, causing weakness, disease, and even death. Microplastics can also carry harmful chemicals, such as additives and toxic substances, which can be released into the bodies of animals when they ingest microplastics, poisoning them and causing damage to their organs.

The Impact of Microplastics on Marine Ecosystems

The concentration of microplastics in the ocean is not uniform, and there are certain areas where they are more concentrated. These areas are known as "plastic islands" or "ocean gyres," where marine currents concentrate floating debris. There are five ocean gyres: two in the North Pacific, one in the South Pacific, one in the North Atlantic, one in the South Atlantic, and the Indian Ocean Gyre. The largest of these plastic soups is known as the Great Pacific Garbage Patch, located between California and Hawaii.

Runoff from rivers and human activities near the coast contribute to the concentration of microplastics in these areas. Densely populated urban areas, ports, and industrial zones are also hotspots for the accumulation of microplastics.

The Impact of Plastic Pollution on Marine Life

Plastic pollution has become a major environmental crisis, particularly in our seas and waterways. The problem is so severe that experts predict that by 2050, there will be more plastic in our seas than fish.

One of the main sources of plastic pollution is littering. Rubbish left on the beach after a day out, refuse fly-tipped in our rivers, and waste blown in from our streets all contribute to the massive problem. A significant proportion of this rubbish comes from single-use plastics, such as straws, bottles, bags, crisp packets, stirrers, coffee cups, and yoghurt pots. These items are notoriously hard to recycle, and a lot of them end up in our seas.

The Impact of Plastic Pollution on Marine Animals

Plastic waste causes physical wounds or entrapment, leading to painful injuries, strangulation, or even drowning. Marine animals often mistake plastic debris for food, leading to ingestion and blockage of digestive systems, exposure to toxic substances, and even potential starvation.

For example, a recent study found that shearwaters, a type of seabird, eat more plastic than any other mammal. They often unknowingly feed fragments of plastic to their young, filling their stomachs and leaving no room for food. The fledglings then don't get the nutrition they need and can't fend for themselves when they head out to sea.

The Impact of Plastic Pollution on Coral Reefs

Coral reefs, for instance, are essential ecosystems that are home to thousands of species. However, plastic pollution has been found to kill coral reefs, carrying bacteria and blocking light and oxygen from getting into the coral.

What Can Be Done to Address the Issue of Plastic Pollution?

To address the problem of microplastics in the ocean, it is essential to reduce the amount of plastic waste that enters the ocean. This can be achieved through a variety of measures, including reducing the use of single-use plastics, increasing recycling rates, and implementing policies to prevent plastic waste from entering the ocean.

Choosing reusable coffee cups and drink bottles is an easy way to tackle single-use plastics. Consumers can also opt for loose fruits and vegetables at the supermarket instead of those pre-packed in plastic bags. Many supermarkets and local shops are beginning to offer more bagless options.

Beach cleans are another way to directly remove litter from our coastal and marine environments. There are many regularly organized events around the country where volunteers get together to pick up litter and plastic from our beaches.

Several organizations are leading the way to reduce plastic waste and improve our oceans. Surfers Against Sewage, for instance, is a UK-based charity that educates, fundraises, and organizes events to promote the preservation of our seas. The #2minutebeachclean movement is another initiative that encourages people to clean up our planet two minutes at a time.

Conclusion

The impact of microplastics on marine ecosystems is a significant problem that requires immediate attention. Microplastics can cause physical harm, behavioral and reproductive changes, and even death to marine animals. To address this problem, it is essential to reduce the amount of plastic waste that enters the ocean and to implement policies to prevent plastic waste from entering the ocean.

By reducing, recycling, and reusing, participating in beach cleans, and supporting organizations that work to protect our oceans, we can make a difference and create a better future for our marine life.