Every year, millions of tonnes of plastic invade our oceans, endangering not only marine species but also our health. Would you like to understand the scourge of plastic pollution in our oceans, and discover different ways of fighting it? We'll tell you all about it!
Overview and key figures
Plastic is an integral part of our daily lives: water bottles, packaging, synthetic clothing, cosmetics... Its low cost and ease of transport (thanks to its light weight) have made plastic a star for many years, to the detriment of the planet and its oceans! A worrying fact hangs over our oceans: every year, between 9 and 14 million tonnes of plastic waste are dumped into the ocean, equivalent to around 1 tonne of plastic waste being poured into marine habitats every 3 seconds. Today, an estimated 75 to 199 million tonnes of plastic lie at the bottom of our oceans, affecting over 800 marine species.
The Ellen Mac Arthur Foundation is sounding the alarm: if we do nothing, the oceans will be home to more waste than fish by 2050.
The main sources of marine plastic pollution
Plastic pollution of the oceans is the direct result of human activity. Our consumption and production patterns in various industries are at the root of this environmental crisis.
The food industry and single-use packaging
One of the biggest sources of marine plastic pollution comes from the food industry, mainly due to single-use packaging. Bottles, bags, straws and other plastic containers, ubiquitous in our daily lives, often end up in the oceans after not being properly managed in the recycling cycle. On a global scale, packaging accounts for almost 40% of total plastic production, with a very short lifespan since it is often discarded after a single use. This waste then finds its way into marine habitats, posing a real danger to the species that live there.
The textile industry and synthetic microfibers
Another sector influencing plastic pollution is the textile industry. Clothes made from synthetic fibers such as polyester, nylon or acrylic release plastic microfibers with each wash. These tiny fibers are so small that they pass through the filters of sewage treatment plants, ending up in rivers and oceans. This phenomenon is responsible for a large proportion of the microplastics present in marine waters, which are then ingested by marine fauna and end up on our plates.
The cosmetics industry and plastic microbeads
Skincare and cosmetics products also contribute to plastic pollution of the oceans, notably through the use of plastic microbeads in certain formulations (such as scrubs or toothpastes). These tiny particles, less than 5 mm in size, escape wastewater treatment systems and end up in the oceans. Fortunately, certain regulations have begun to ban these microbeads, but the pollution caused by cosmetic products remains a major concern today.
Fishing and ghost nets
Finally, the fishing industry is also a major source of plastic pollution, accounting for around 10% of plastic pollution in the oceans. This means that between 500,000 and 1 million tonnes of fishing gear pollute our oceans every year. Equipment abandoned or lost at sea, such as fishing nets or lines, is the main cause of this pollution. This phenomenon, known as ghost fishing, traps and kills millions of marine animals every year. It affects 66% of marine mammal species, 50% of seabird species and all sea turtle species, worsening the situation of marine biodiversity.
The consequences of ocean plastic pollution
Plastic pollution doesn't just have a visible impact on our beaches and oceans. It also affects the very foundations of sustainable development, which rests on three pillars: environmental, economic and social. Let's find out more about the impact of plastic pollution on our oceans.
Environmental impact
While some of the plastic waste in our oceans is visible to the naked eye, the vast majority is more discreet: microplastics. It is estimated that there are 24,400 billion microplastics in our oceans, or 580,000 tonnes (source). These particles of plastic, less than 5 mm in size, infiltrate rivers and oceans, where they are swallowed by marine fauna and then propagate through the food chain until they end up on our plates.
Seabirds, fish and marine mammals are severely affected by this pollution. Not only does it directly threaten biodiversity, it also disrupts marine ecosystems. Marine ecosystems are essential to climate regulation and ecological balance, not to mention a source of livelihood for millions of people around the world.
Social impact
Finally, the social consequences of this pollution should not be underestimated. In many coastal regions, particularly in developing countries, local communities rely heavily on fishing for their livelihoods. The deterioration of marine ecosystems jeopardizes these livelihoods, exacerbating economic and social inequalities.
What's more, plastic waste creates a direct health risk. When left to stagnate, it becomes a breeding ground for mosquitoes, encouraging the spread of diseases such as dengue fever and malaria, directly affecting the health of vulnerable populations.
Economic impact
Plastic pollution also has a colossal economic cost. The tourism, fishing and shipping sectors are particularly hard hit. For example, beaches polluted with plastic waste become less attractive to tourists, depriving many coastal regions of a crucial source of income. 🚢
As far as fishing is concerned, ocean pollution leads to a decline in fish stocks, already weakened by overfishing, thus compromising a sector vital to many local economies. In Europe, the damage caused by plastics in the marine environment is estimated at hundreds of millions of euros a year.
As you can see, plastic pollution of our oceans is a very important issue, not only for the future of our planet, but also for our health and our economy!
📖 Also read :
- European Week for Sustainable Development
- 3 examples of corporate sustainability initiatives
How do you measure plastic pollution in the oceans?
Measuring plastic pollution in the oceans is a complex task, but essential to understanding the scale of the problem and adapting the solutions to be implemented. Scientists and environmental organizations use a variety of methods to do this. Firstly, samples are taken directly from the water, both at the surface and at depth, to quantify the macro- and microplastics present. These samples are then analyzed in the laboratory to identify the types of plastic and their concentration in a given volume of water.
At the same time, studies are carried out on beaches and coasts, where waste is collected and categorized to better identify its origin. These collection campaigns provide important data on the geographical distribution of pollution. More advanced technologies, such as satellite imagery and sensor-equipped drones, also make it possible to track "plastic islands", the vast areas of floating waste that form in ocean gyres.
Finally, for an even more global approach, certain mathematical simulation models are used to estimate the volume of plastic discharged into the oceans each year. These models take into account data such as global plastic production, recycling rates and waste management practices in each country, providing an overview of plastic pollution flows. Thanks to these different techniques, we now have invaluable data to better assess the impact of this pollution and adjust our efforts to combat it.
Why do we need to protect the oceans?
Protecting the oceans is crucial to preserving the ecological balance of our planet and ensuring our own survival. The oceans play a vital role in climate regulation by absorbing much of the carbon dioxide we emit, helping to temper the effects of global warming. They are also an essential source of food and income for billions of people, providing protein through fishing and stimulating the coastal economy through tourism.
What's more, the oceans are home to incredible biodiversity. From the smallest algae to the largest marine mammals, each species contributes to the balance of marine ecosystems and the global food chain. The health of the oceans is therefore directly linked to the health of terrestrial ecosystems and humanity itself. 🐟
Protecting the oceans also means preserving the ecosystem services they provide, such as purifying water, protecting coasts from erosion and regulating nutrient cycles. By acting to conserve the oceans, we are contributing not only to the preservation of this immense resource, but also to the safeguarding of biodiversity and food security for future generations. It is therefore imperative that we adopt sustainable practices and support initiatives aimed at reducing pollution and protecting our seas and oceans.
What solutions exist to combat plastic pollution?
Tackling plastic pollution of the oceans requires action on several levels. Larger-scale solutions are essential to tackling this global problem. Here are some of the most promising initiatives:
Solution 1: Waste collection and recycling technologies
Collection boats: Innovative companies and organizations are developing technologies to collect floating plastic waste in the oceans. For example, The Ocean Cleanup uses collection devices that capture plastics in ocean gyres, where plastic waste concentrates. These boats are designed to collect large quantities of plastic debris and bring it ashore for recycling or disposal.
Nets and booms: Other technologies include the use of nets and booms deployed in rivers and coasts to capture plastics before they can reach the oceans. These devices reduce the volume of plastic waste that ends up in marine waters.
Chemical recycling: Technological advances are making it easier to recycle plastics, including those that are difficult to process. Companies are developing chemical recycling technologies capable of breaking down plastics back to their basic components to create new products. ♻️
Underwater exploration: Underwater clean-up projects are also in place to remove plastic waste from the ocean floor. Remote-controlled submarines and robots collect debris in deep, inaccessible marine environments.
Solution 2: Cleaning and waste management initiatives
Coastal clean-up NGOs: Many NGOs and community groups regularly organize beach clean-up operations. These initiatives, such as those run by Surfrider Foundation Europe, help to bring back the plastic waste that has accumulated on the coast before it returns to the sea.
Public policy regulation: Many governments are implementing policies to reduce the production of single-use plastics and improve waste management infrastructures. Regulations banning certain plastics and taxes on plastic products can encourage industries to adopt more sustainable alternatives.
Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) programs: EPR is an environmental policy approach that holds producers responsible for managing the products they manufacture throughout their life cycle. These programs oblige plastics manufacturers to take responsibility for the waste management of their products, thereby encouraging recycling and financing waste management infrastructures.
Solution 3: Innovation through R&D
Materials innovation: Research is also focusing on the development of new biodegradable materials that can replace traditional plastics. These alternatives, such as algae- or fungus-based plastics, have a reduced environmental impact and decompose more rapidly in the environment.
Tracking and analysis models: Sophisticated simulation models and tracking technologies help to understand plastic flows in the oceans and to plan more effective interventions. These tools help predict plastic waste movements and optimize clean-up operations.
By combining these large-scale solutions with individual actions, we can make significant progress in the fight against ocean plastic pollution. It's crucial that these initiatives are backed by international collaboration, ongoing investment and global commitment to ensure a cleaner, healthier future for our oceans. 🌍🌊
How can we take action against ocean plastic pollution on our own scale?
The first step is to adopt simple yet effective actions!
- Opt for the "right" packaging by avoiding over-packaged products: opt for products packaged in cardboard and products available in bulk.
- Recycle your packaging: 1.1 million tonnes of plastic packaging are put on the French market every year, and only 29% of plastic packaging is recycled.
- Make sure you use toiletries free of microplastics: silicone, polymers... 80% of cosmetics contain plastics in their formulas!
Step two: take action and make a commitment to the oceans!
- Calculate and reduce your carbon footprint with our climate actions
The personal carbon footprint is a tool that allows citizens to assess their greenhouse gas emissions in just twenty minutes.
It's a proven fact: human activities are contributing to the rapid increase in greenhouse gas emissions that are causing climate change and having a major impact on our oceans.
💡The average carbon footprint of a French person is 10 tonnes of CO2eq/year, and we'd need to get down to 2 tonnes to stay within 1.5° of global warming!
- Make your voice heard for the oceans with Bloom. 📢
Bloom is committed to restoring the links between man and the sea by working to put an end to fishing methods that weaken the marine ecosystem.
nonprofit deploys actions such as awareness-raising, education, scientific research and citizen mobilization. Bloom allows the voice of the people to be heard: the perfect opportunity to take simple action for a healthier future for our oceans.
Third step: get involved with a nonprofit that protects the oceans 🤝
Faced with the urgency of the situation, NGOs and associations are mobilizing to combat the scourge of plastic pollution in our oceans. These associations draw a large part of their resources from the commitment of citizens. Today, Wenabi invites you to discover 2 associations that are just waiting for your help!
👉 See our article on how to become a volunteer in a nonprofit
🐟 Join the ranks of Blutopia
"Alone we are but a drop, together we form the ocean."
Join two young ocean lovers, Malaury and Julien, in the fight for a healthier ocean. Blutopia is a resourceful nonprofit and has many creative and effective ways of raising public awareness. Newsletters, documentaries, sales of objects made from recycled materials, festivals. Get involved by becoming a volunteer or making a donation tononprofit and join a community of citizens acting to protect our oceans! 🤝
🌊 Fight ocean plastic pollution with Surfrider
For over thirty years, the Surfrider Europe Foundation has been fighting against the degradation of our oceans, in particular by raising public awareness. No fewer than 100,000 people have been made aware of the Foundation's 700 actions since its creation. Surfrider Europe believes in education and pedagogy as a means of supporting environmental, economic and societal change.
nonprofit relies on volunteer branches to educate, inform and raise public awareness of environmental issues. Join a chapter near you!
Acting as a company to combat plastic pollution of the oceans
Mobilize your teams for an awareness-raising day that combines conviviality and education through Do It Yourself workshops, quizzes and conferences. A fun and effective way to get involved, thanks to Surfrider Foundation Europe!
🤔... Protect the oceans on your own time, it's possible!
Did you know? It's possible to get involved with your company on your own time via the Wenabi platform.
Wenabi is the solution that makes it easy for companies to get involved in community projects - and all on your own time! Thanks to an intuitive platform, Wenabi enables employees to take part in solidarity missions in support of associations of general interest. Whether through one-off or longer-term missions, Wenabi simplifies access to civic commitment by integrating solidarity into the daily lives of corporate employees.
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