If there is anything greatly important that humans depend on, they are oceans. They cover about 70% of the surface of the earth and their currents are good determinants of the weather of the world we live in. The 321 million cubic miles of water that oceans hold, accounts for 97% of the water supply on earth. Apart from the functions of climate regulations which the ocean performs through the absorption of sun’s heat, oceans help us to absorb carbon oxide more than our atmosphere by a factor of 50.

Have humans been unfair to the ocean?

Through the pollution of ocean by man’s activities, it has been unfair to the ocean. The pollution of the ocean by man takes many forms but one of the biggest forms of ocean pollution is plastic. Plastics like water bottles, drinking straws, grocery bags, yogurt containers find their permanent way to the ocean.

According to statistics, we dispose about eight million metric tonnes of plastic items into the ocean every year. Not only do they disrupt the ecosystem of marines, their inability to biodegrade, makes them poisonous to fish and seabirds when ingested. Ocean acidification which is the decrease in the pH of the water surface as a result of absorbing carbon emission, oil spillage threatens marine lives.

How can we stop ocean pollution?

Education of the harmful effects of plastic to oceans is essential in stopping the pollution. Much emphasis should rest on reusing plastic bags over and over. For plastic bags that cannot be reused, recycling is a great way to stop pollution especially when the aim is to keep plastic out of the environment. Prevention of overall waste in our community through adequate disposal mechanism can stop ocean pollution.

Additionally, projects that could get the current plastic waste out of the ocean are being embraced by world organizations. Technology through the use of machines and development of robots can come to our aid to ensure oceans are cleared of plastic waste.