Preserving Oceans: a Call to Action

While enjoying a walk on the beach, have you ever noticed trash scattered across the sand and felt compelled to pick it up? However, there are others who might see this trash and dismiss it with a thought like, "It's just a little bit of trash, it won't make a difference." If you find yourself in the latter category, it's time to reconsider. The reality is that our oceans are grappling with an overwhelming amount of waste, which not only devastates marine life and their habitats but also poses significant threats to our planet and our own well-being.

The Impact of Plastic

One often overlooked aspect is the sheer volume of packaging that comes with almost everything we purchase. Take, for instance, a simple bag of chips bought from the grocery store before a day at the beach. Once emptied, that plastic bag, if left behind, can easily make its way into the ocean. While one bag may seem insignificant in the vast expanse of the sea, this mindset, replicated worldwide, results in an unimaginable accumulation of waste. Thomas Morton's article, "Oh, This is Great," recounts Charles Moore's eye-opening visit to the North Pacific Gyre. On his journey from Hawaii back to California, Moore encountered a massive collection of trash swirling in the ocean currents. Among the debris were crates of hockey masks and Nikes, but predominantly, the waste consisted of plastic. The trash had originated from various parts of the globe, underscoring that ocean pollution is a global issue. A study led by Jenna Jambeck, an environmental engineer at the University of Georgia, revealed that countries like China and Indonesia are significant contributors to the ocean's plastic pollution, particularly plastic bottles, bags, and other debris clogging sea routes.

Consequences of Non-Biodegradability

The pernicious nature of plastic lies in its non-biodegradability. Instead of decomposing, plastic photodegrades, breaking down into increasingly smaller particles. This means that every piece of plastic ever discarded into the Pacific Ocean remains there, albeit in a less visible form. It's astounding to consider the sheer volume of plastic persisting in the ocean. Charles Moore and his crew conducted tests on water samples near the center of the Gyre, discovering jellyfish encrusted with plastic particles. Their findings revealed a shocking plastic-to-seawater ratio of 6 to 1, which increased as they approached the Gyre's center. In some instances, the water they collected appeared to be more plastic than seawater. This paints a grim picture of our oceans' health, where marine creatures inadvertently consume debris, mistaking it for food.

The Food Chain and Human Health

The plastic particles that have photodegraded over time are now mistaken for food by small fish, with dire consequences for both marine life and humans. Typically, small fish feed on plankton, but the degraded plastic resembles this vital food source. Consequently, fish consume plastic, which accumulates in their fat. As larger fish consume these smaller fish, they ingest the plastic as well. This process continues up the food chain, ultimately affecting humans when we catch and consume fish. Ingesting plastic can result in severe long-term health issues, including cancer and organ failure.

Taking Action

It's imperative that people unite in efforts to reduce ocean pollution. While the existing oceanic waste is too extensive and dispersed to remove entirely, we can strive to prevent further pollution. During summers, my friends and I frequently visited the beach, dedicating time to collect trash before enjoying the water. This simple act not only improved the beach's cleanliness but also became a fun and competitive activity among friends. If more individuals, especially those living near coastlines, engaged in similar activities, our beaches and oceans would become noticeably cleaner.

Ethical Treatment of Animals

Makenna Goodman's article, "Ever Wonder If You Could Kill What You Eat? We Did The Other Night," explores the ethical treatment of animals. Although her focus isn't on fish, her points resonate with the broader issue of ocean pollution. By polluting oceans, we indirectly mistreat marine life, as increased pollution leads to more plastic ingestion by fish. Goodman argues that ethical treatment of animals includes providing them with a healthy environment. In contrast to large farms' cramped and diseased conditions, smaller farms offer animals a more humane life. Similarly, we should extend respect to marine life by preventing further pollution and protecting their habitats.

In conclusion, just as small farmers treat their animals with care and respect, we should do the same for the fish in our oceans. Fish unknowingly consume plastic, mistaking it for plankton, but we have the knowledge and responsibility to prevent this. By showing respect for our planet and reducing pollution, we can protect both the environment and ourselves.

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