Why Sea Pollution is More Dangerous Than You Think

Sea pollution is a growing global crisis, affecting not just the oceans but also human health. Over 80% of marine pollution comes from land-based sources, making this problem larger than most people realize. While oceans cover more than 70% of the Earth’s surface, they are rapidly becoming dumping grounds for plastic, toxic chemicals, and waste. These pollutants harm marine life and ecosystems and eventually return to humans. It’s time we understand the true extent of the problem and take serious action to fight it.

Major Sources of Sea Pollution

Sea pollution comes in many forms, but the most significant contributors include:

• Plastic Waste: Over 8 million tons of plastic enter the oceans annually, with single-use plastics like bags, bottles, and straws being the main culprits. These plastics don’t degrade but break down into microplastics, which are then consumed by marine life. According to the National Geographic, more than 700 marine species, including seabirds, whales, and sea turtles, are affected by plastic pollution.
• Toxic Chemicals: Chemicals like pesticides, fertilizers, and industrial runoff enter the oceans from agriculture and manufacturing plants. These substances are harmful to marine life, causing diseases, disrupting reproductive systems, and affecting food chains. For example, mercury pollution accumulates in fish and can cause severe health issues when humans consume contaminated seafood.
• Oil Spills: Oil spills, like the Deepwater Horizon spill in 2010, are catastrophic for marine ecosystems. Oil coats the bodies of animals, suffocates fish, and destroys coral reefs. Cleanup is difficult and the damage lasts for years, with oil residues affecting marine life long after the initial event.
• Sewage and Wastewater: Untreated sewage and wastewater dumped into the oceans can lead to algal blooms, which suffocate marine life by depleting oxygen in the water. Harmful algal blooms, often called “red tides,” also produce toxins that affect both marine animals and humans who consume contaminated seafood.

Most sea pollution is caused by human irresponsibility and a lack of awareness about how daily activities affect the ocean. People often dispose of waste improperly, not realizing how it accumulates in the sea and harms marine life. Additionally, industries contribute significantly by dumping chemicals and toxins directly into waterways. Without proper education and stricter regulations, pollution will continue to devastate the world’s oceans, with effects that harm not only sea creatures but also humans.

Effects on Sea Animals

Pollution has a devastating effect on marine animals. Plastic pollution, for example, is responsible for the deaths of over 100,000 marine mammals and millions of birds each year. Sea turtles often mistake floating plastic bags for jellyfish, one of their main food sources, which can cause blockages in their digestive systems and lead to death. Similarly, whales have been found with stomachs full of plastic waste, unable to digest food properly.

Chemical pollutants like mercury can accumulate in fish, huge predators like tuna and swordfish. When humans consume these fish, they can suffer from mercury poisoning, leading to neurological and developmental problems. Coral reefs, which are critical to marine biodiversity, are also affected by pollution. Chemicals in the water can cause coral bleaching, where the coral loses its color and eventually dies.

Real-life Examples of Sea Pollution

Here are several real-life examples of significant sea pollution events, along with their causes, effects, and attempts at cleanup:

Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill (Gulf of Mexico, 2010)

The Deepwater Horizon oil rig explosion resulted in over 4.9 million barrels of oil spilling into the Gulf. It destroyed vast areas of marine habitat, killed thousands of marine animals, and impacted the fishing and tourism industries. Despite large-scale cleanup operations using skimmers, dispersants, and burning off surface oil, the Gulf’s ecosystem continues to suffer today.

Indonesia’s Coral Reefs

Indonesia, home to some of the world’s richest coral reefs, faces plastic and chemical pollution threats. A 2018 study found that Indonesia is the second-largest contributor to marine plastic pollution. Coral bleaching, caused by pollution and rising sea temperatures, has affected coral reefs in areas like Bali and the Raja Ampat islands. Local efforts, such as reef restoration projects and reducing plastic waste, are critical but need greater support.

Minamata Bay (Japan, 1950s)

Mercury pollution from a chemical factory contaminated the waters of Minamata Bay, leading to what became known as Minamata disease. Thousands of people developed neurological symptoms after eating mercury-laden fish. It took decades for the bay to be cleaned up, and many victims still suffer the consequences today.

Exxon Valdez Oil Spill (Alaska, 1989)

One of the most infamous oil spills, the Exxon Valdez spill released 11 million gallons of oil into Alaska’s Prince William Sound. It decimated populations of fish, seabirds, and sea otters. Even after extensive cleanup, the ecosystem has not fully recovered, with long-lasting effects on wildlife.

Our Efforts to Minimize Sea Pollution

Tackling sea pollution requires global cooperation. Governments and organizations are beginning to ban single-use plastics, control industrial waste, and promote sustainable fishing practices. In 2019, the European Union introduced a ban on single-use plastic items like straws and cutlery. Similar initiatives are being adopted worldwide.

Local efforts, such as the Bali Plastic Bag Ban, which prohibits single-use plastic bags in Bali, are making a positive impact. Beach cleanups and marine conservation projects are also gaining momentum, with local and international volunteers joining forces to reduce pollution.

At the global level, projects like The Ocean Cleanup, a non-profit organization, are working on innovative solutions to remove plastic from the ocean. However, reducing pollution at the source by cutting down on waste and increasing recycling is essential to ensure the ocean’s health.

It’s clear that sea pollution is a growing threat to marine life, ecosystems, and human health. The effects are far-reaching, and without action, they will only worsen. As divers, we have a unique opportunity to observe the ocean’s beauty and also witness the damage being done. That’s why every diver must take responsibility for the ocean’s health.

At Bali Fun Diving, we’re committed to protecting Bali’s marine environment. Located at Jalan Tukad Balian no 455 C, Sanur – Bali, we invite divers to not only explore Bali’s stunning underwater world but also to help conserve it. By practicing responsible diving and reducing plastic waste, together we can make a positive impact on the oceans and preserve them for future generations.