The damage of plastic to the marine environment is a global issue, as it enters the ocean through various means and has serious impacts on ecosystems, economies, and human health. Every year, over 8 million tons of plastic waste are dumped into the ocean, mainly from land, including plastic waste discarded in rivers, beaches, fields, villages, and other places. Plastic waste is eventually collected into the ocean through methods such as rainwater erosion, river action, and illegal dumping.
Marine organisms often mistake plastic bags, plastic debris, and other materials for food, leading to ingestion and suffocation. Plastic debris may also wrap around marine animals, affecting their normal lives. In addition, microplastics, when consumed by small marine organisms, can enter the food chain and ultimately affect human food supply. Meanwhile, plastic pollution also disrupts the balance of marine ecosystems. A large amount of plastic waste covers the seabed, reefs, and coral reefs, obstructing the passage of light and affecting the growth of marine plants and the stability of the ecological chain. Plastic pollution has also had a negative impact on marine fishing, tourism, and the livelihoods of coastal residents.
Damaged fishing gear, reduced catch, damaged tourist landscapes, and decreased ecotourism appeal have all led to economic losses. In order to address the serious impact of plastic on the ocean, the international community has taken action by introducing regulations restricting the use of disposable plastic products and plastic bags, and encouraging plastic recycling and reuse. In addition, a large number of ocean conservation and cleanup projects are also underway to reduce plastic waste in the ocean. Plastic waste in the ocean poses a deadly threat to living organisms.
In summary, plastic enters the ocean through various pathways and causes serious damage to the marine environment. In order to protect the marine ecosystem and human health, global efforts are needed to reduce plastic use, increase plastic recycling rates, and take effective measures to clean up plastic waste in the ocean.
