See the Beauty & Say No to Plastic..
Channel: From Professionals
Date: 19/07/2023

Video Credit Goes to the Respective Owners..

Plastic and polythene have significant negative impacts on the oceanic environment, posing a serious threat to marine life and ecosystems. Here are some key ways in which they negatively affect the oceans:

1. Marine Pollution: Plastic and polythene waste are major contributors to marine pollution. When discarded or improperly managed, they often end up in rivers, lakes, and ultimately, the oceans. Once in the marine environment, they persist for hundreds of years, causing widespread pollution.

2. Plastic Entanglement: Marine animals, including seabirds, turtles, dolphins, and whales, can become entangled in plastic debris such as fishing nets, plastic bags, and six-pack rings. This entanglement can lead to injury, physical deformities, or even death due to suffocation, strangulation, or impaired movement and feeding abilities.

3. Ingestion and Internal Damage: Marine species often mistake plastic debris for food, especially smaller pieces that resemble prey. When ingested, plastic can cause internal injuries, blockages, and digestive system disorders. This can lead to malnutrition, starvation, and ultimately, death for marine animals.

4. Disruption of Ecosystems: Plastic pollution alters marine ecosystems by disrupting the natural balance and functioning of marine habitats. Plastics can smother coral reefs, seafloors, and other sensitive habitats, suffocating or inhibiting the growth of marine organisms. This disruption has cascading effects on the entire food chain and ecosystem health.

5. Chemical Contamination: Plastics can leach harmful chemicals into the water, such as bisphenol-A (BPA) and phthalates. These chemicals can accumulate in the tissues of marine organisms, posing risks to their reproductive systems, immune systems, and overall health. It also has the potential to bioaccumulate as it moves up the food chain, affecting larger marine species and eventually humans who consume seafood.

6. Microplastics: Plastic items gradually break down into smaller fragments known as microplastics. These tiny particles, less than 5 millimeters in size, are pervasive in the oceanic environment. They are ingested by a wide range of marine species, from zooplankton to larger fish, potentially leading to long-term health effects and bioaccumulation.

7. Habitat Destruction: Plastic waste, especially larger items, can damage and destroy critical habitats such as coral reefs, mangroves, and seagrass beds. These habitats provide essential shelter, breeding grounds, and nurseries for many marine species. Their degradation has severe consequences for biodiversity and ecosystem stability.

8. Oceanic Gyres: Plastic waste accumulates in vast oceanic gyres, known as garbage patches, due to ocean currents. These gyres, such as the Great Pacific Garbage Patch, concentrate high levels of plastic debris, posing enormous challenges for cleanup efforts and exacerbating the impact on marine life.

It is crucial to address the negative impact of plastic and polythene on the oceanic environment by reducing single-use plastics, promoting recycling and waste management, supporting sustainable alternatives, and raising awareness about the importance of marine conservation. Protecting the oceans is essential for the well-being of marine life, the health of ecosystems, and the long-term sustainability of our planet.