Marine Debris

Marine Debris, also known as marine litter, encompasses all man-made, solid waste that enters the marine environment from all sources. This includes items directly or indirectly disposed of into the sea, rivers, or coastal areas, as well as debris that originates on land but eventually reaches the ocean through various pathways.

History and Context

The issue of Marine Debris has been recognized since the early 20th century, with concerns growing significantly over time due to increased human activity and population growth:

• In the 1950s, with the rise of plastic manufacturing, the amount of plastic waste entering the ocean began to increase.
• By the 1970s, international attention was drawn to the problem, leading to the establishment of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), which indirectly addressed marine pollution.
• The 1980s saw the introduction of the International Maritime Organization's (IMO) MARPOL Annex V, which specifically tackled garbage from ships.
• The 1990s and 2000s witnessed a surge in public awareness and scientific research on the impact of marine debris, particularly with the discovery of the Great Pacific Garbage Patch.

Types of Marine Debris

• Plastic Waste: This constitutes the largest portion of marine debris, including everything from plastic bottles to microplastics.
• Fishing Gear: Lost or abandoned fishing nets, lines, and traps, known as "ghost gear," can continue to trap marine life long after they have been discarded.
• Metal and Glass: Items like cans, bottles, and other metal or glass products.
• Paper and Cardboard: While less persistent than plastic, they still contribute to the problem.
• Organic Material: This includes food waste, wood, and other biodegradable items.

Impact on Marine Ecosystems

Marine debris has profound effects on the ocean environment:

• Physical Harm: Animals can become entangled in debris, leading to injury or death.
• Ingestion: Wildlife often mistake debris for food, which can lead to internal injuries, starvation, and toxic exposure.
• Habitat Destruction: Debris can smother coral reefs, damage habitats, and alter ecosystems.
• Chemical Pollution: Plastics break down into microplastics, which can absorb and transport pollutants, affecting the food chain.

Global Efforts and Legislation

Addressing Marine Debris has become a global priority:

• The Ocean Cleanup Project aims to clean up plastic pollution from the oceans.
• The Basel Convention was amended in 2019 to include plastic waste in its regulatory framework.
• The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) has launched multiple initiatives to reduce marine litter.
• National policies like the European Union Marine Strategy Framework Directive set out to achieve and maintain good environmental status in the marine environment.

Sources for Further Reading

• NOAA Marine Debris Program
• UN Environment Programme - Marine Litter
• The Ocean Cleanup
• Basel Convention

Related Topics

• Plastic Pollution
• Ocean Conservation
• Microplastics
• Sustainable Fishing