Marine Life and Ocean Threats 101

Why Threats to Marine Environments Matter

When you think of the oceans, you might recall standing on the shoreline as a child, looking out in wonder at the vast blue that extended into the skyline. Marine environments deserve the fascination we place upon them. Oceans cover over 70% of Earth, and with that much coverage, they help regulate climate, store carbon and even generate more than half of the oxygen on the planet.

But our oceans are facing a number of serious threats that put aquatic life and even humans at risk. You’ve seen the images: sea turtles eating plastic, a seahorse tail wrapped around a cotton swab, a shimmering dark spot spreading across the water after an oil spill. From rising sea levels to plastic pollution to toxic waste dumping, human activity is threatening the health of marine environments and, in turn, putting humans around the world in danger.

Top Threats to Marine Life and Oceans

Unfortunately, one could write up pages upon pages of threats to our oceans, but there are several top contenders that need immediate attention. Here are some of the top threats to marine environments and aquatic life.

Pollution

It’s no secret that we are polluting our oceans at an alarming pace. Whether it’s the infamous plastic straws or a massive oil spill, pollution is a top threat that comes in many different forms. Plastic is a major ocean threat, but other forms of pollution, like chemicals from popular sunscreens or prescription drugs, are also problematic for plants and animals in the oceans.

In addition to becoming entanglement and choking hazards, pollution can also shift marine chemistry. These pollutants contribute to ocean acidification, which can lead to coral bleaching or affect molluscs’ development.

Plastic Pollution

There are an estimated 75 million tons to 199 million tons of plastic in the oceans today, and a 2015 study found that up to 12.7 million metric tons of plastic waste enters the oceans each year. But this annual figure is expected to nearly triple by 2040. Even worse, current projections show that there will be more plastic by weight than fish in the oceans by 2050.

All of this ocean plastic has even led to the newly defined Plastisphere, as plastics floating in the ocean attract single-cell organisms like bacteria and algae, creating new, small ecosystems within the marine environment.