Do you care enough for the oceans? Or is it just a trending topic you like to hear about?
The fact remains that consistent increase in the level of pollutants has degraded marine ecosystem to levels of irreparable damage.
Steps are being taken to mitigate the effects of marine pollution but still there is a long way to go.
It is extremely necessary to generate awareness among people towards protection and conservation of marine environment. And the awareness starts from knowing the problem at the grass root level.
Here, we have enumerated 11 main causes of marine pollution which have been troubling marine environment for quite some time now.
1. NOx and SOx
NOx and SOx – the two main pollutants found in shipping emissions has affected both marine environment and ozone layer is a number of ways. Both NOx and SOx are combustion products that are emitted in to the environment in the form of smoke. Strict rules have been formed to reduce their levels in ship’s emissions.
2. Ocean Acidification
The issue of ocean acidification is quickly becoming dangerous to marine lives and humans.Ocean acidification has the power to greatly endanger the lives of marine organisms and through them an entire class of people who depend on fish and fish products for their daily sustenance.
3. Ozone Depleting Substances
Ozone depleting substances such as CFCs and Halon along with other pollutants from ships are destroying the ozone layer. Learn more about ozone depleting substances from ships and their effects on marine environment.
4. Dredging
The activity of dredging has been a major result of disturbance in the marine ecosystem since many years. Though steps have been taken to mitigate the effects of dredging on the marine environment, several cases involving destruction of underwater lives are still extensively heard about.
5. Sea Water Level Rising
This is one issue that has suddenly come into the limelight because of the famous global warming. It is high time that we educate ourselves about the causes and effects of sea water level rising.
6. Ocean Dumping
Dumping of waste materials from industries, ships and sewage plants into oceans has caused pollution to a great extent. The adverse effects of ocean dumping have not only been felt by marine life but by humans as well.
7. Pollution from Cruise Ships
Cruise ships pollute marine environment in a variety of ways. Though cruise lines have slowly understood the importance of preserving marine environment, it is still a long way to go for them.
8. Marine Debris
Marine debris is another name for man-made waste discarded to the sea in any form. Marine debris has not only been seen harming the marine ecosystem but has also been entering human food chain through sea food.
9. Noise Pollution from Ships
It has been scientifically proved that the noise generated from shipping operations is harmful for marine organisms. Harmful effects of noise pollution on marine organisms include haemorrhages, changed diving pattern, migration to newer places, and damage to internal organs and an overall panic response to foreign sounds.
10. Oil Spills
No discussion on marine environment can come to a conclusion without mentioning the biggest cause of marine pollution – oil spills. There have been several incidences that can back the fact that oil spills at sea are extremely dangerous and life threatening both to marine ecosystem and to humans.
11. Plastic
It is important to mention this environment degrading agent separately for the sole fact that it has and is the reason for several environmental problems both at sea and land. Those who have read or seen the Pacific garbage patch knows the extent of damage this substance is causing to the marine environment.
The above mentioned reasons for marine pollution might not be enough to depict the seriousness of the matter. However, it is our humble effort to educate and inform people above the ever growing threat from these polluting agents.
It’s time to educate ourselves.
It’s time to take some serious action.
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