The Threat of Plastic Waste in the Ocean for Survival

In this week's episode of the Buangdisini Newsletter, we will go into greater detail on plastic waste in the ocean and its effects on marine life as well as humans, who produce waste on a daily basis. By clicking this link , you can read this story on our website as well. Enjoy your reading!

Are you aware of how detrimental plastic waste is to Indonesia's ecosystems and the environment as a whole? According to the Ministry of Environment and Forestry (KLHK), our country, Indonesia, generated 70 million tons of rubbish last year, and 17% is wasted plastic.?

Furthermore, between 1950 and 2015, the global production of plastic more than doubled, from 2.3 million tons to 448 million tons. So, the experts projected that plastic production would double by 2050.

Unfortunately, all of the plastic that has been dumped in the oceans remains. Regretfully, plastic is something we produce and utilize more and more of. Consequently, the marine life that lives in the sea consumes those plastics, ultimately leading to their death.

So, how much of a negative impact can plastic garbage have on the environment and marine life? Let's dig deeper into this content!

Specifically, What is the Impact of Plastic Waste on Marine Life?

Data suggests that 100 million marine animals perish annually as a direct result of ingesting plastic waste. It could happen because most marine creatures cannot tell the difference between the plastic debris we discard and their food. As a result, they eat the incorrect foods, put difficult-to-break-down food in their intestines, and eventually starve to death.

On a Spanish beach in 2018, a teen sperm whale was discovered dead. After investigation, less than thirty kg of plastic is in their digestive tract. Widespread microplastic-induced inflammation was the cause of death. All of which were coated with various poisons, causing the poor animals immense misery.?

Recent studies show that marine plastic pollution affects several turtle species, 59% of whale species, and 36% of seal species. In a different instance, plastic kills approximately a million seabirds annually.?

In Indonesia, we also have much experience with aquatic animal deaths. A whale shark was discovered dead near Banjar Yeh Kuning Beach, Pekutatan Village, Jembrana Regency, Bali, about two months ago. Because the authorities conducted no investigation, the cause of death is unknown.

Three whale shark deaths in the waters directly beneath the Suramadu bridge were also reported in July. Based on research conducted by a group of medical professionals from Airlangga University's Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, the sharks died allegedly due to severe infections in their bodies. It was also reported that a large amount of plastic waste was discovered in the fish's gut.

It is heartbreaking to find out that many marine animals have died as a result of waste buildup in their natural habitats. Do you agree that we hear about their deaths far too frequently?

Therefore, How Does Marine Plastic Debris Affect Humans?

Plastic poses a risk to human health in a variety of ways. In the simplest terms, danger threatens human life through toxins that break down from discarded plastic. If you are familiar with microplastics, that’s right. These tiny particles pose one of the root problems. What's worse, these ‘poisons’ are also contained in the bodies of marine animals.?

However, there are numerous unsolved questions regarding the effects of microplastics on humans and how the body reacts to the microplastics we intake. Although experts agree that breathing in extremely small amounts of any material might irritate the respiratory system and trigger more serious cardiovascular issues, some of the long-term concealed health issues remain unknown.

Drinking tainted water or eating seafood exposed to the poisons that break down over time can disrupt human hormone function. Related to the food we consume, microplastics are also found in salt, sugar, and beer.?

Research conducted by observers from Boston revealed that we are all at risk, especially those who live in and are closely related to marine ecosystems. One of the most hazardous elements found in plastics, mercury, poses documented risks to infants, children, and adults.?

In addition, pesticides, human sewage, industrial waste, and agricultural runoff have all contributed to pollution along the coasts , increasing the frequency of harmful algal blooms (HABs), which release toxins linked to diseases that can affect humans, such as amnesia, dementia, neurological impairment, and sudden death.

So, What Should We Do?

First and foremost, we must acknowledge the importance of classifying the waste generated daily to reduce the amount of plastic debris in the ocean and other places.

Suppose you are wondering whether you should minimize your use of plastic when it is a material you use daily. In that case, you can look for waste management services near your home. You might discuss recycling plastic that you no longer need, or you can even ask for their assistance. They'll be glad to assist.

But once more, we must remember that cooperation between the public and private sectors is necessary to solve this issue. So, by handling waste responsibly, let's foster a sustainable environment and maintain the purity of the marine ecosystem!

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