Marine pollution

Marine pollution refers to the harmful effects caused by the entry of chemicals, particles, industrial, agricultural and residential waste, noise, or the spread of invasive organisms into the ocean. Most sources of marine pollution are land-based. The pollution often comes from nonpoint sources such as agricultural runoff, wind-blown debris, and dust.

Sources of Marine Pollution

Marine pollution occurs when harmful, or potentially harmful, effects result from the entry into the ocean of chemicals, particles, industrial, agricultural and residential waste, noise, or the spread of invasive organisms. Eighty percent of marine pollution comes from land.

Land-based Sources

The primary sources of marine pollution are land-based. These include agricultural runoff, wind-blown debris, and dust. Agricultural runoff often contains pesticides, fertilizers, and nutrients that can cause eutrophication, leading to harmful algal blooms and oxygen depletion in water bodies.

Sea-based Sources

Sea-based sources of marine pollution include oil spills, waste disposal, and routine shipping operations. Oil spills are a well-known source of marine pollution, but they comprise only a small percentage of total marine pollution.

Effects of Marine Pollution

Marine pollution has a wide range of negative effects on the marine ecosystem and the organisms that live within it. These effects can include the death of marine life, disruptions to marine food chains, and the alteration of marine habitats.

Effects on Marine Life

Marine pollution can have serious impacts on both marine life and the communities that depend on it. For example, oil spills often kill marine life and damage the marine environment. Plastic debris can choke or starve marine wildlife.

Effects on Human Health

Marine pollution can also have significant impacts on human health. For example, harmful algal blooms, which can be caused by the input of nutrients from agricultural runoff, can produce toxins that are harmful to humans and marine life.

Prevention and Control

Preventing and controlling marine pollution requires a comprehensive approach that includes the regulation of sources of pollution, the development of pollution prevention and control measures, and the restoration of polluted marine environments.

See Also

• Ocean acidification
• Eutrophication
• Oil spill
• Plastic pollution
• Marine debris