Ocean Pollution: Causes and what we as individuals can do to

prevent it.

The ocean is vital to life on earth and is facing drastic environmental problems at
present times. Originally, nature has its way of cleansing itself of pollutants to a
certain extent1. However, the massive amount of the waste products discharged
into the ocean, by humans, has reached a point which nature is struggling to
cope with. The causes of oceans pollution are extensive; such as disposal of
waste, oil spills and even agriculture have caused immense and possibly
irreversible damages to marine life. This essay focuses on some of the main
contributors to marine pollution and how we as individuals play a key role in
prevent it.

One of the leading causes is vessel source pollution which originates from ships.
In recent times, this has been estimated to comprise up to 35 percent of marine
pollution2. Such may arise from an accident or due to way vessels operates.
Accidents, relating to vessels, may involve an outpour of hazardous materials,
radioactive substances and oil into the ocean. This has not only affects marine,

The usage of chemicals in agriculture is also a pressing cause of pollution.

Pesticides and fertilizers have been used for decades to enhance agricultural
productivity. However, these substances are easily washed into water bodies
during heavy downpours. Eventually, water courses would meet the ocean and
these chemicals are then discharged. In India, approximately 55,000 tons of
pesticides were used annually and about one-fourth of it ends up in the ocean. 3
These substances are packed with nitrogen and phosphorus which spurs the
growth of algae. Eventually, this leads to an algae bloom on the surface of the
ocean which literally suffocates marine life beneath it by depleting oxygen
dissolve in the water. In addition, algae bloom produces toxins, such as
cyanobacteria, that impairs and kills fishes and corals living around it.

Industrialization is also leading cause of ocean pollution. Industrialisation

processes are productivity orientated and rely heavily on machineries. Improper
disposal of sewage waste into oceans occurs as this method saves companies
time and money. In Ethiopia, half of the population was not supplied with clean
water in 2011 as improper discharge of sewage from developing areas extensive
contaminated main water sources and bodies 4. In addition, the exponential
usage of carbon emitting machines and vehicles has increased the acidity in

1 http://www.csmonitor.com/Environment/2010/0713/How-fast-will-the-Gulf-
bounce-back-from-the-BP-oil-spill

2 http://worldoceanreview.com/en/wor-1/pollution/oil/

3 http://aquaticcommons.org/15985/1/JIFA18_333.pdf
oceans5. This has endangered many marine species as they are unable survive in
the increased acidity of the water. 6

As individuals, we are important in ensuring that ocean pollution is kept at bay.

The first step is to reduce carbon footprints and energy consumption. A simple
act of switching to public transport and being conscious of our daily energy
usage would reduce carbon emission, and ultimately the acidity of the ocean.

Individuals are highly encouraged to use fewer plastic products as well. Plastic
waste that ends up in water bodies contributes to the wreckage of habitats for
marine life. Tens of thousands of marine animals suffer every year due to
entanglement and suffocation from these wastes, and this colossal amount is still
growing7. Reusing water bottles, storing food in non-disposable containers and
even bringing ones own grocery bag are just some of the many ways one can
contribute in alleviating the impacts of plastic usage.

Lastly, one should support movements that promote environmental friendliness.

A switch to non-pesticide groceries, choosing eco-friendly tours or even
participating in Earth-hour could instil awareness in oneself and those around.

In conclusion, preventing ocean pollution is a shared responsibility. Although the

tasks mentioned above may seem easy, people are inclined to convenience.
Therefore, individuals need to remind each other of the urgency in preventing
ocean pollution or we would not have an ocean in the future.

4 http://www.esciencecentral.org/journals/source-and-determinants-of-water-
pollution-in-ethiopia-distributed-lag-modeling-approach.1000110.pdf

5 http://www.pmel.noaa.gov/co2/story/What+is+Ocean+Acidification%3F

6 http://ocean.nationalgeographic.com/ocean/explore/pristine-seas/critical-
issues-ocean-acidification/

7 http://ocean.nationalgeographic.com/ocean/take-action/10-things-you-can-do-
to-save-the-ocean/