Marine Plastic Pollution Poses Severe Threat to Mammals and Birds

A study reveals that marine plastic pollution is a major threat to marine mammals and birds, causing injuries and death.

Photo by Brian Yurasits

A recent study has highlighted the severe impact of marine plastic pollution on marine mammals and birds, with plastic ingestion and entanglement causing significant injuries and deaths. The research, which analyzed data from various species, found that plastic debris, particularly microplastics, is widespread in marine environments and is being consumed by a vast array of marine life.

This pollution not only directly harms individual animals but also disrupts marine ecosystems and can have long-term consequences for biodiversity and human health through the food chain. The findings underscore the urgent need for global action to reduce plastic waste and improve waste management.

Key Facts

Study by University of Gastronomic Sciences, Italy.

Marine plastic pollution causes injuries and death in marine mammals and birds.

Plastic ingestion and entanglement are major threats.

Microplastics are a significant concern.

Over 1,300 marine mammal species and 1,500 bird species are affected.

Plastic pollution affects 79% of marine mammals and 40% of marine birds.

Plastic bags, fishing gear, and plastic fragments are common pollutants.

Chemicals from plastics can leach into tissues.

UPSC Exam Angles

Environmental degradation and pollution (GS-III)

Biodiversity conservation and ecosystem services (GS-III)

International environmental agreements and conventions (GS-II, GS-III)

Government policies and interventions for waste management (GS-II, GS-III)

Impacts on economy (fisheries, tourism) and human health (GS-III)

Role of science and technology in mitigation (GS-III)

Visual Insights

Global Marine Plastic Accumulation Zones (Garbage Patches)

This map illustrates the five major ocean gyres where marine plastic debris, including microplastics, tends to accumulate due to ocean currents. These 'garbage patches' are vast areas of concentrated plastic pollution, highlighting the widespread nature of the problem as mentioned in the news.

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📍Great Pacific Garbage Patch📍North Atlantic Garbage Patch📍Indian Ocean Garbage Patch📍South Pacific Garbage Patch📍South Atlantic Garbage Patch

More Information

Background

Plastic production surged in the mid-20th century, leading to its widespread use across various sectors. However, inadequate waste management infrastructure, coupled with a linear 'take-make-dispose' economic model, has resulted in a significant portion of this plastic entering marine environments. The problem gained global attention in the late 20th and early 21st centuries as visible 'garbage patches' and the detrimental impacts on marine life became increasingly apparent.

Latest Developments

Recent studies, like the one highlighted, increasingly quantify the scale of marine plastic pollution, particularly microplastics, and its direct and indirect harm to marine biodiversity, ecosystems, and potentially human health through the food chain. There's a growing global consensus on the urgent need for a legally binding international agreement to end plastic pollution, with negotiations currently underway under the auspices of the UN Environment Assembly (UNEA).

Practice Questions (MCQs)

1. Consider the following statements regarding marine plastic pollution: 1. Microplastics are primarily formed from the breakdown of larger plastic debris in the marine environment. 2. Plastic ingestion by marine organisms can lead to bioaccumulation of toxins within the food chain. 3. Entanglement in plastic debris is a significant cause of mortality only for large marine mammals like whales and seals. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

A.1 only
B.1 and 2 only
C.2 and 3 only
D.1, 2 and 3

Show Answer

Answer: B

Statement 1 is correct. Microplastics are indeed formed from the fragmentation of larger plastic items due to environmental factors like UV radiation, wave action, and abrasion. They can also be primary microplastics (e.g., microbeads in cosmetics). Statement 2 is correct. Plastics can absorb persistent organic pollutants (POPs) from seawater. When ingested, these toxins can be released into the animal's tissues and subsequently accumulate up the food chain, a process known as bioaccumulation and biomagnification. Statement 3 is incorrect. While large marine mammals are certainly affected, entanglement impacts a wide range of marine life, including sea turtles, birds, fish, and smaller mammals, leading to injuries, restricted movement, and drowning.

2. With reference to plastic waste management in India, consider the following statements: 1. The Plastic Waste Management Rules, 2016, introduced the concept of Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) for plastic waste. 2. India has completely banned the manufacture, import, stocking, distribution, sale, and use of all single-use plastic items since July 2022. 3. Local bodies are responsible for setting up infrastructure for segregation, collection, processing, and disposal of plastic waste. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

A.1 and 2 only
B.2 and 3 only
C.1 and 3 only
D.1, 2 and 3

Show Answer

Answer: C

Statement 1 is correct. The Plastic Waste Management Rules, 2016, and subsequent amendments, indeed introduced and strengthened the concept of EPR, making producers, importers, and brand owners responsible for managing plastic waste generated from their products. Statement 2 is incorrect. India banned identified single-use plastic items with low utility and high littering potential from July 1, 2022. However, it's not 'all' single-use plastic items; certain categories (like plastic packaging for essential goods) are still permitted under specific regulations. The ban is targeted. Statement 3 is correct. As per the Rules, urban local bodies (ULBs) and gram panchayats are responsible for the management of plastic waste within their jurisdictions, including setting up the necessary infrastructure.

3. In the context of marine plastic pollution, the term 'ocean gyre' is often mentioned. Which of the following statements best describes the significance of ocean gyres in this context?

A.Ocean gyres are deep-sea trenches where plastic waste is naturally sequestered and broken down.
B.They are large systems of rotating ocean currents that accumulate vast amounts of plastic debris.
C.Ocean gyres are zones of high biological productivity that help in the biodegradation of plastics.
D.They represent areas where marine plastic pollution is minimal due to strong dispersive currents.

Show Answer

Answer: B

Option A is incorrect. Gyres are surface phenomena, not deep-sea trenches, and plastic is not naturally sequestered or broken down there. Option B is correct. Ocean gyres are indeed large systems of rotating ocean currents, driven by global wind patterns and the Coriolis effect. These currents trap and concentrate marine debris, including plastics, leading to the formation of 'garbage patches' like the Great Pacific Garbage Patch. Option C is incorrect. While some gyres can have productive areas, their primary significance in the context of plastic pollution is accumulation, not biodegradation. Plastics degrade very slowly. Option D is incorrect. Gyres are known for accumulating plastic, not for having minimal pollution or dispersive currents in this context.