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




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 and prevent further damage. The influx of waste into the world's oceans directly threatens the existence of some marine life, not just humans. By indirectly working with these organizations, we can help make a difference in the ocean.

The ocean, which occupies 70% of the Earth's surface, plays an important role in the health of the Earth and its inhabitants. The monumental meaning of this is widespread. Intentional Emissions Manufacturing plants in some parts of the world release toxic waste containing mercury into the ocean. Sewage is intentionally discharged into the sea, but like plastic products, it contributes to marine pollution. Marine Pollution Solutions Given the long-term and catastrophic consequences of marine pollution, anything that can be done to avoid marine pollution is a good idea. Proper Disposal of Plastics and Garbage One of the easiest ways to reduce marine pollution is to properly dispose of plastics and other recyclable materials to prevent them from flowing into the ocean.

CALL TO ACTION: What impact will ocean pollution have on us if it is not stopped? In my personal belief, I think that if nothing is done to improve the quality of the ocean, everything that we have come to know and love will begin to deteriorate. While so of you believe that if nothing is done, we will be able to turn to a different source for the resources that we pull from the ocean. I ask you to further your knowledge on the how pollution in the ocean affects humans by clicking the link.


References

Avakian, M. (n.d.). New Study Finds Ocean Pollution a Threat to Human Health. In Global Environmental Health Newsletter. Retrieved from https://www.niehs.nih.gov/research/programs/geh/geh_newsletter/2021/2/articles/new_study_finds_ocean_pollution_a_threat_to_human_health.cfm#:~:text=Ocean%20pollution%20is%20a%20complex%20mixture%20mad

Mambra, S. (2022, April 30). 15 Brave Organizations Fighting to Save Our Oceans. In Marine Insight. Retrieved from https://www.marineinsight.com/environment/15-brave-organisations-fighting-save-oceans/

Ocean Pollution: Causes, Effects Prevention. (2020, December 1). In Texas Disposal Systems. Retrieved from texasdisposal.com/blog/ocean-pollution-causes-effects-and-prevention/#:~:text=Pollutants%20in%20the%20ocean%20make,conditions%2C%20cancer%20and%20birth%20defects.

Image References

Coskin, S. (Photographer). [Image of photograph]. Anadolu Agency. Retrieved from https://www.pewtrusts.org/-/media/post-launch-images/trust-magazine/winter-2021/ontherecord_promoimage16x9-1.jpg?mw=1290&hash=C52875155518A9CCA19638C08D65D175


Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Seals v. Debris and Pollution

Image
  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,
Read more

What impact will ocean pollution have on us if it is not stopped?

Image
  Pollution in Our Oceans – I want to advocate for the protection of our oceans and the sea life within it. This is an issue the affects everyone and everything throughout the world and is something that can truly cause loss of animal and plant life all throughout our oceans. “Marine debris is a persistent pollution problem that reaches throughout the entire ocean and Great Lakes.” (NOAA, 2020). According to Spring Power and Gas, there are nine types of ocean pollution; those being garbage, sunscreen and other topicals, oil seepage, sewage, agricultural and aquaculture runoff, industrial waste, eutrophication, carbon dioxide, and noise. I do have the understanding that individuals, businesses, manufacturers, and world leaders are not looing toward the future and the affect that they can be having on our waters. While taking all of this into consideration, one can conclude that if there were laws, company policies, and our ways of life change and evolve we can create change and improve
Read more