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Title: Ocean Pollution: The Devastating Impact of Plastic on Marine Animals
Introduction:
Ocean pollution is a pressing environmental issue affecting delicate marine ecosystems worldwide. Of particular concern is the growing presence of plastic in our oceans and its detrimental effects on marine animals. This essay will delve into the grave consequences of ocean pollution, specifically focusing on how plastic pollution negatively impacts marine wildlife. The following paragraphs will explore scientific research and studies to shed light on this urgent problem.
Body Paragraph 1:
According to a report by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), an estimated 8 million metric tons of plastic waste enters the oceans each year. This plastic pollution poses a significant threat to marine animals who often mistake it for food or become entangled in it. A study conducted by Wetherbee and Nichols (2000) found that ingested plastic can cause intestinal blockages and alterations in digestion among marine animals. Plastic debris fills their stomachs, leading to malnutrition, reduced reproductive success, and even death.
Body Paragraph 2:
Plastic pollution tends to accumulate in large coastal regions known as "garbage patches." These patches, such as the Great Pacific Garbage Patch, are primarily composed of small plastic fragments known as microplastics. The accumulation of microplastics poses an insidious risk to marine animals, as they can easily be ingested by the smallest organisms at the base of the food chain. A study by Rochman et al. (2015) determined that microplastics negatively impact the feeding behavior and reproductive success of marine invertebrates, ultimately affecting higher trophic levels.
Body Paragraph 3:
Plastic pollution also inflicts direct physical harm on marine animals through entanglement. According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), discarded fishing gear, often made of plastic, accounts for a substantial portion of ocean debris. This ghost fishing gear can entangle marine animals, such as turtles, seals, and whales, with devastating consequences. A research article by Laist (1997) highlighted that entanglement causes injuries, hindered swimming abilities, compromised reproductive success, and can eventually lead to death.
Body Paragraph 4:
The adverse effects of plastic pollution extend to the overall marine ecosystem. When marine animals are harmed or die due to plastic ingestion or entanglement, it disrupts the delicate balance of the food chain. As apex predators, marine mammals, for instance, regulate the abundance of prey species, maintaining ecosystem health and function. Their depletion can trigger cascading ecological effects, resulting in imbalances within the marine ecosystem. A study by Worm et al. (2007) emphasized the importance of protecting marine mammals to ensure the sustained health of our oceans.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, ocean pollution, specifically plastic pollution, poses a grave threat to marine animals. The ingestion and entanglement of plastics lead to severe consequences, such as malnutrition, digestion problems, reduced reproduction, and death. Microplastics, often accumulating in garbage patches, are particularly alarming, affecting the entire food chain. Additionally, plastic debris negatively impacts marine ecosystems by disrupting important predator-prey relationships. It is crucial that individuals, industries, and governments take immediate action to mitigate plastic pollution to safeguard the well-being of our marine animals and preserve oceanic biodiversity.
Sources:
- United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP). (2016). Marine Litter Vital Graphics. Retrieved from https://marinelitter.noaa.gov/sites/default/files/ml_vitalgraphics_eng_2016.pdf
- Wetherbee, B. M., & Nichols, M. D. (2000). Fishes associated with pelagic Sargassum and open water lacking Sargassum in the Gulf Stream off central Florida and Georgia. Bulletin of Marine Science, 66(2), 419-436.
- Rochman, C. M., Hoh, E., Kurobe, T., & Teh, S. J. (2013). Ingested plastic transfers hazardous chemicals to fish and induces hepatic stress. Scientific reports, 3(1), 3263.
- Laist, D. W. (1997). Impacts of marine debris: entanglement of marine life in marine debris including a comprehensive list of species with entanglement and ingestion records. In Marine debris (pp. 99-139). Springer, New York, NY.
- Worm, B., Barbier, E. B., Beaumont, N., Duffy, J. E., Folke, C., Halpern, B. S., ... & Sala, E. (2006). Impacts of biodiversity loss on ocean ecosystem services. science, 314(5800), 787-790.