A trillion is not a number easily comprehended by the mind. It is a number that starts with one and is followed by 12 zeros. With each zero comes a loss of conception, and by the time you have reached the twelfth zero the number can’t really be accurately comprehended. We don’t have any straightforward examples of this number, that bring simple comprehension, we just see it as an unquestionably large value. In an attempt to aid some sort of comprehension to this sheer quantity, I tried to find an example. I decided to use time; A second is a very small quantity, it is an amount of time that we usually take for granted, one that is generally considered trivial because of its miniscule value. A normal 365-day year equates to 31,536,000 seconds. The average human lifespan is about 80 years; this is about 2,228,800,000 seconds. A trillion seconds equates to about 31,710 years. Take a moment to grasp about the outright size of this number. Now you may be wondering how any of this relates to ocean pollution. Minimal estimates conclude that we currently have 5.25 trillion pieces of plastic whisking about in our seas. Ocean pollution is a global issue that is spiraling out of control, its effects are destructive to both marine and human life.          

Prior to understanding the effects of plastic pollution it is important to comprehend the scope of the issue. First, the concept of an ocean gyre must be explained. A gyre is a point at which the ocean’s tides converge. Three forces form gyres, global wind patterns, the Earth’s rotation, and the Earth’s landmasses. Together these forces mingle to create a large, calm, body of water surrounded by a current; Flowing either clockwise or counter clockwise, depending on the particular gyre. There are five major gyres in the ocean, some engulfing areas twice the size of Texas. These gyres have become hubs for plastic pollution. Once plastic is introduced to the ocean it usually finds its way to a gyre, through the sea’s able tide, then this trash becomes trapped in these regions. Many believe that this gyres are gigantic islands of floating trash. In reality, plastics degrade in to minuscule particles, some will sink to ocean floor, others float around in the water, causing the water to become very cloudy, and dismal. Although most of the plastic degrades, there is still fishing equipment and stronger plastics floating in these areas. Massive aquatic landfills are what these gyres are becoming, with layers and layers of harrowing plastics. 

A number is what we search for in order to assign significance. Thus, in an attempt to assign a numeric value as to the amount of plastic pollution in the ocean, a team of researchers set out on a lengthy venture. Over a six-year period, they completed 24 expeditions, sampling all five major gyres and totaling a mass of 1571 sample locations. The group conducted visual samples, and towed special nets to collect small particles of plastic. The plastic was then separated into categories in reference to size. The group concluded that 92.4% of plastic collected in these areas were micro-plastics (less than 4.75mm in size). For reference a pencil eraser is about 6mm. The remaining plastics in these regions were larger pieces of plastic not yet broken down, or more durable plastics such as fishing equipment, mainly consisting of buoys. This gives a valuable understanding as to what a gyre would look like and consist of. The researchers have stressed that their figures are minimal estimations. It was concluded that there are an estimated 5.25 trillion pieces of plastic floating in the sea. This is the amount that is already in the ocean, but each year an estimated 8 million tons of plastic are added to the ocean. Mentioned in a Fortune article this is equivalent to “one municipal garbage truck pulling up to the beach and dumping its contents every minute” (Groden). These are astronomical figures that illustrate an incredibly severe problem. 

So how exactly does all of this plastic end up in the ocean? Think of the last time you when to the beach, did you witness a sea of plastic waste, or a coastline littered from end to end? For most of us living in the US, we don’t exactly witness too much ocean pollution. The US ranks 20th of the top countries responsible for marine pollution. We have advanced waste management and collection services in regards to other countries. Yet, we still manage to contribute to this bulk of trash being dumped into the ocean. This because of the amount of plastic we consume, the average American produces an estimated 4.3 of waste each day. Think of how much of this is plastics, plastic water bottles, plastic wrappers, plastic bags, caps, plates, forks, knives, spoons, straws. Much of this is very lightweight, and when forgotten about or not properly disposed, it can easily be exposed to water ways and end up in oceans. The wind or rain can carry these small pieces, or even fragments, which can flow into rivers then end up in the ocean. Most of this plastic is also micro plastic and much of it actually travels underwater, rather than being easily notable and floating above water. There are so many instances where plastic can be accidently drift into the oceans. Think about the everyday car, newer ones are very plastic heavy, it is estimated by 2020 cars will weigh about 770 lbs. in plastic alone. When someone gets into a car accident, think of all the tiny pieces of plastic that are scattered everywhere. These fragments can easily find their way to storm drains and be transported into the ocean. Tropical storms also wash enormous amounts of plastic out to the sea. It is almost unavoidable that small amounts of plastics will be washed away by the ocean’s tide, but by no means should 8 million tons of plastic be discarded into the sea. 

The US is one of the most developed countries, we have adequate waste management services, and we are greatly involved in recycling. So, think of all of the underdeveloped countries, such as the Philippines or Thailand. These countries do not have trash collection services in most areas. Although these are third world countries, plastic still has quite a large presence. It is a cheap, durable material, so it has a large presence in developing countries. Thus, with poor waste management systems much of this plastic ends up in the ocean. Studies show that China, Indonesia, Philippines, Vietnam, and Thailand are responsible for 60% of all plastics in the ocean. Some cities in these countries even use their beaches as landfills, dumping all of their trash into the ocean.

We have all seen Images of birds and sea turtles with those six pack plastic soda rings around their necks or fins, but what is the true extent of damage on marine life? Plastic is ingested by many types of aquatic animals, at least 267 species worldwide are effected by plastic pollution. According to the Clean Water Action “86% of all sea turtle species, 44% of all seabird species and 43% of all marine mammal species.” Not only are these numbers alarming, but they are growing exponentially. When ingested plastic causes serious threat to these species, and in many cases ingestion results in death. Of the seven species of sea turtles, 3 are endangered, and 3 are listed as critically endangered. Sea Turtles lay hundreds of eggs at a time and can lay thousands in a single mating season. The issue is, not many of these turtles will make it to the sea, even fewer will survive until adulthood. There are many predators that pose threats to young sea turtles, combined with the effects of marine pollution, the odds of survival are not in their favor. These are graceful animals that have existed for more than 110 million years, and now they are on track to become extinct. Some are estimated to die off sooner rather than later, the Leatherback sea turtle has an estimated 20 years’ left. Sea birds are also greatly affected by ocean pollution; the Laysan Albatross is a large sea bird that mainly inhabits the Hawaiian Islands. This species is one of the most immediately affected by plastic, a study showed that 97.5% of all Laysan Albatross chicks have micro-plastics in their stomachs. They are fed small pieces of plastic as chicks because their parents mistake the plastic for food. 

The marine food chain is considerably effected by plastic pollution. When a lower tier animal ingests plastic, then is consumed by animals higher in the food chain, the consumer is effected by the plastic. The most concerning aspect of this disrupt occurs near the bottom of the food chain. Zooplankton and other microorganisms make up the bottom of the marine food chain. Studies show that these bottom tier organisms are ingesting micro plastics as well. This means that plastic is beginning to integrate into the food chain, and with lower levels of the food chain being exposed to plastics, eventually all levels will be exposed in some quantity. This presents problems for all levels of the food chain, any organism that feeds on plankton, or that feed on plankton eating organisms will be exposed to plastics and the chemicals that they contain.   The marine food chain is a delicate cycle, and with the combination of overfishing it can prove to be lethal to many species.

Each year fish in the North Pacific alone, ingest a staggering 12,000- 24,000 tons of plastic. This is not only bad for the fish consuming plastics, but it is also bad for the people consuming fresh fish. According to NPR, “Plastic interacts with the juices in a [fish’s] stomach, the chemicals come off of plastic and are transferred into the bloodstream or tissues” (Barclay). This causes a higher percentage of the fish to have tumors and liver problems, which are crucial elements to the parts of the fish that we are eating. Plastic in the ocean are described as sponges for lingering chemicals, and after being exposed to these chemicals and consumed by fish the effects are really not known. We do not know how much of the sea caught fish which we consume are exposed to plastics. A recent study showed that a quarter of fish in California markets contained plastic in their digestive systems, mostly in the form of micro-plastics. This is yet another way ocean pollutions effects humans from an anthropocentric point of view. 

Although it is of popular consensus that polluting the ocean is wrong, some dispose of garbage in the ocean as a way to cut costs. For example, cities in some third world countries still dispose their waste into the ocean, as a cost effective alternative to proper waste disposal. In a quotation from an EcoWatch article, the mayor of a small town in the Philippines explained, “Our town has had a dump site on our beach for 50 years,” (Chow). This occurs a lot in smaller Asian countries. Funds are scarce and must go to what people deem the most important areas, and in many cases waste disposal is not one of these. Especially if it has been going on for generations, it becomes something that is normal in these societies, and does not necessarily require change. This mindset where proper waste disposal is outweighed by cost happens in many parts of the world, and it is a serious problem in China. China is responsible for around a third of all plastic pollution. Plastic waste that has no value for recycling is very commonly burned, or dumped into water ways. There are also many parts of the country that do not have waste management services, so they operate much like third world countries as far as waste disposal goes. Their recycling companies are largely unregulated, so much of the unrecyclable plastic is improperly disposed of, due to lower cost. Very commonly, this improperly disposed plastic finds its way into the ocean. Alarmingly China is also the largest importer of plastic waste, mainly from the US. There is legislation against polluting the ocean in China but it is notoriously unenforced.

So why exactly is this wrong? Pollution more so starts to become a matter or ethics. Even if you disagree with the viewpoint that marine ecosystems should not have to suffer because of our pollution, the ocean provides us with crucial factors the help us survive. According to Planet Aid, “70% of the oxygen that we breath comes from marine plants… 97% of the Earth’s water supply is contained in the ocean… 30% of CO2 emissions produced by humans are absorbed by the oceans”. These statistics illustrate the fact that oceans are crucial to our own well-being, from an anthropocentric viewpoint. The oceans are the backbone of the nature that surrounds us, the nature that feeds us and cares for us. For our sake we must take care of the them. 

How do we combat ocean pollution? The first step to ending ocean pollution comes with greater legislation and enforcement. Many countries such as China already have legislation passed, these cases require stronger enforcement or harsher legislation. Harsher legislation can come in the form of greater fines, or other reparations for these acts. Enforcement is an issue in many countries. In the US we have organizations such as the EPA who regulate pollution and other matters related to this topic. Foreign government without such organizations, need to develop some sort of stronger enforcement agencies. Markets that heavily contribute to ocean pollutions need more enforcement, such as recycling markets or other plastic heavy markets. Regulations and greater enforcement would really help to combat pollution in more developed countries. This would reduce the amount of plastics introduced into the oceans each year. 

Third world countries are kind of a different problem. The main reason that marine pollutions come from these countries is because of lack of proper waste management. Many cities lack the infrastructure to achieve this. There are private organizations such as the Ocean Conservancy, who are trying to solve this problem by outlining cheaper ways to properly dispose of pollution in these towns and cities. Coming up with cost effective methods would really help to reduce the 8 million tons of plastic that finds its way to the ocean each year. This could prove to be a very effective solution to this problem since 4 of the 5 countries most responsible for ocean pollution, lack proper collection services. Funding for this has mainly comes from private organizations, but to speed up the process more developed countries could provide some sort of grants or funding to help reduce pollution. 

Advancements in technology have also been made to help lessen plastic already in the ocean. The Ocean Cleanup organization is at the forefront of this effort. This company has invented a few different ways to help take existing plastics out of the ocean. They currently have two main methods to help clean up the ocean. The first involves nets placed in a strategic array, they coincide with the ocean’s current to help trap plastics floating on the surface. These special nets stretch over long distances in order to maximize effectiveness. They also do not interrupt marine life because the nets do not need to be very deep. This company is also heavily involved in mapping of the current pollution via aircraft and boat, they are collecting data that will help give us a greater understanding of how much garbage is in the ocean and the most effective ways to attempted to extract the plastic from the oceans.   

While solutions have the potential to greatly reduce ocean pollution, its effects thus far are really unknown. The scope of the problems illustrates a size in with effects cannot really be accurately calculated. We may have already gone too far. Nonetheless we know that what we are doing is harming the ocean, and we have the tools to greatly reduce our impact. We rely on the ocean for a multitude of different things, these things have proven crucial to our survival. To save the nature that surrounds us, to save marine ecosystems that feed us, to save the beauty the is the ocean, marine pollution must be halted.       
