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Impact of Ocean Pollution on Humans, Sea Life, and the Environment

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Ocean pollution is such a broad topic, there are so many different parts of it and all the have different effects on the environment, humans, and sea life. Ocean pollution occurs when substances used or spread by humans enter the ocean and cause harmful effects there. “Ocean pollution is a complex mixture made up of mercury, plastic waste, manufactured chemicals, petroleum wastes, agricultural runoff, and biological threats, like harmful algal blooms.” ( Avakian , n.d.)  There are many solutions to issues that are occurring that are causing this terrible pollution, we just must take the time to fix said issues. Fortunately, there are many non-profit marine conservation organizations around the world working on behalf of all of us to save our oceans. These organizations participate in various campaigns and other activities to protect the ocean from such damage and restore vibrant marine life. These organizations are working diligently to purify the ocean and the marine life within it an
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The Magic of TikTok for the Ocean

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TikTok is a video-focused social networking service owned by the Chinese company ByteDance Ltd. heard. Short user videos of various genres ranging from 15 seconds to 10 minutes are possible, including pranks, stunts, tricks, jokes, dance and entertainment. By using this platform, there are many influential people who have worked to make a difference and make the world a better place. Whether it's gender equality or the protection of the sea, it's all important. "From August 26 to September 9, TikTok users can apply an ocean effect that lets them virtually “clean plastic” out of the ocean. For every video uploaded with the hashtag #SaveOurOceans, TikTok will donate $2 to Conservation International to help save 3,000 square kilometers of ocean (up to $100,000)."( TikTok , 2019).  Even the slightest effort can depend on monumental change. Elizabeth Sheer from New York posted a video on TikTok to encourage others to remove cigarette butts and bottles from the beach but di
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Seals v. Debris and Pollution

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  While the image pictured above may seem cute and loveable, there are so many different instances where the plastic and debris cause so much more harm than just a pair of goggles. Marine plastic debris is one of the most pressing environmental problems facing the world today. However, the Hout Bay Seal Rescue Center agrees that the most tragic consequences of  plastic pollution in the ocean are animal entanglements. However, this is not a sustainable solution. Ghost gear makes up an estimated 10% of the plastic waste in our oceans." (Krynauw, 2020) The peak breeding season for cape fur seals is  November and December. These very young puppies are often ill or injured and require veterinary care and special feeding. Organizations all over the world are working to create better living environments for the seals within the ocean. Small pieces of plastic appear in seal dropping that feed other fish, showing how contaminants from the ocean move through the food chain. In recent years,
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World on the Turtle's Back

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From the flat seagrass beds of the Indian Ocean to the colorful coral reefs of the Coral Triangle to the sandy beaches of the East Pacific, seven species of sea turtles gracefully decorate our oceans. These highly mobile species land regularly to sunbathe and nest, but sea turtles spend most of their lives in the ocean. Research on WWF sea turtles focuses on these five species. Hawksville Sea Turtles, Hawksville Sea Turtles, Loggerhead Sea Turtles, Leatherback Sea Turtles, Olive Ridley Sea Turtles. “Slaughtered for their eggs, meat, skin, and shells, sea turtles suffer from poaching and over-exploitation.” (WWF, 2022) WWF is working to stop the decline of sea turtles and restore species. Sea turtles are endangered due to human irresponsibility and the fact that they are too good to use biodegradable and paper products. Plastic is harmful not only to the environment but also to the lives in it. For example, a floating plastic bag may resemble a jellyfish, algae, or other species that ma
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Marine Debris

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Marine pollution in our oceans is something that is causing so much harm to the ocean itself and the sea life within it. "Marine debris is a persistent pollution problem that reaches throughout the entire ocean and Great Lakes. Our ocean and waterways are polluted with a wide variety of marine debris, ranging from tiny microplastics, smaller than 5 mm, to derelict fishing gear and abandoned vessels." ( National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration , 2020). Marine debris can also interfere with navigation safety and potentially pose a threat to human health. Local, national, and international efforts are needed to address this environmental problem. The Save our Seas Act of 2018 amends and reauthorizes the Marine Debris Act to promote international action, authorize cleanup and response actions, and increase coordination among federal agencies on this topic. Debris Free Waters -  Through ingestion, entanglement, and interaction; marine debris affects the natural functioning
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Plastic Pollution in the Ocean

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Being an activist is a great part of who I am and the way I go about my life. Working as an activist for decreasing the amount of pollution in the ocean, it can help improve the quality of life of the humans and sea life in today's age and the future generations as well. "At least 14 million tons of plastic end up in the ocean ever year. and plastic makes up 80% of all marine debris found from surface waters to deep-sea sediments." ( Sorrentino , 2021, par. 2) According to International Union for Conservation of Nature , the biggest impacts of plastic pollution in the oceans include ingestion, suffocation and entanglement of hundreds of marine species, as well as microplastics being found in tap water, beer, salt and are present in all samples collected in the world's oceans.  The Problem with Plastic - It's in disposable packages we throw away, consumer products that fill our stores and our clothes, and peel off microplastic fibers when washed. Studies show that
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Oceans v. Humans

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 Ocean Pollution 100 million marine animals die each year from plastic waste alone. ( Condor Ferries , n.d.); for this reason, we need to consider ways to reduce the amount of pollution that is put out in our oceans, or out in general. People seem to believe that they are not contributing to the pollution that is being put out, but there are many ways that they do. Our oceans are beginning to fill up with trash and toxins that will continue to kill and harm the sea life within it. This blog is dedicated to helping like-minded, concerned individuals to find creative ways to end ocean pollution.   References Marine & Ocean Pollution - Statistics & Facts 2020-2021. (n.d.). In  Condor Ferries . Retrieved from https://www.condorferries.co.uk/marine-ocean-pollution-statistics-facts#:~:text=100%20million%20marine%20animals%20die,by%20North%20Pacific%20fish%20yearly . Moore, S. (2021, July 29). Ocean Pollution and Human Health. In  News Medical Life Sciences . Retrieved from ht
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