Ocean Pollution Facts: The State of Our Seas
Our oceans are in crisis. From plastic waste to chemical runoff, marine pollution threatens the health of our planet.
Shocking Statistics
Plastic Pollution
- 8 million tons of plastic enter oceans yearly
- 5 trillion pieces of plastic currently in oceans
- By 2050: More plastic than fish by weight
- Only 9% of all plastic ever made has been recycled
The Great Pacific Garbage Patch
- Size: 1.6 million square kilometers (2x Texas)
- Contains: 80,000 tons of plastic
- Growing exponentially every year
Sources of Ocean Pollution
| Source | Contribution |
|---|---|
| Land-based runoff | 80% |
| Shipping & boats | 10% |
| Ocean dumping | 5% |
| Offshore drilling | 5% |
Impact on Marine Life
- 100,000 marine mammals killed by plastic yearly
- 1 million seabirds die from plastic
- All sea turtle species have ingested plastic
- Over 700 marine species affected
Solutions
Individual Actions
- Reduce single-use plastic
- Proper waste disposal
- Support sustainable seafood
- Beach cleanups
Systemic Changes
- International plastic treaties
- Improved waste management
- Stricter industrial regulations