Sea Plastic: A Challenge Beneath the Waves
Plastic has revolutionized the modern world—but its unchecked proliferation has created one of the planet’s most pressing environmental crises: marine plastic pollution. Commonly referred to as sea plastic, this growing menace affects every corner of our oceans, threatening marine life, ecosystems, economies, and even human health.
What Is Sea Plastic?
Sea plastic includes all forms of plastic waste that enter the oceans—ranging from large items like bottles and fishing nets to microplastics (particles smaller than 5 mm). These plastics can originate from land-based sources (urban runoff, litter, landfills) or ocean-based activities (shipping, fishing, aquaculture).
Shocking Statistics
Over 11 million metric tons of plastic enter the ocean annually—a number projected to nearly triple by 2040 if no action is taken.
There are currently an estimated 170 trillion plastic particles floating in the world’s oceans.
Plastics have been found at Mariana Trench depths and in Arctic sea ice, proving no ocean region is untouched.
Impacts on Marine Life and Ecosystems
Ingestion and Entanglement: Over 800 marine species are affected by plastic pollution. Sea turtles mistake plastic bags for jellyfish, while birds and fish often consume microplastics, mistaking them for food.
Habitat Destruction: Coral reefs and seafloor ecosystems are smothered by plastic debris, disrupting biodiversity and natural processes.
Toxicity: Plastics can absorb harmful pollutants like PCBs and heavy metals, which then enter the food chain—posing risks to marine life and humans alike.