The Effects
Bioaccumulation
As more and more toxins are released into the oceans, their effects multiply in an occurrence called bioaccumulation. As the concentrations of toxins continue to increase, these toxins build up in the systems of marine organisms. This build up harms the fish, as well as the organism that eats the fish, in an effect called biomagnification (Schwartz, 2015). The accumulation of toxins in marine life is transferred to humans when they eat seafood.
Plastic, POPs, and BPA
Many harmful chemicals from plastic end up in sea life, and, in effect, in the humans that eat the sea life. One of these damaging chemicals is Bisphenol A (BPA). BPA is a hormonally active agent, meaning it interferes with the body's natural endocrine system.
In addition, several chemicals called persistent organic chemicals (POPs) have been shown to sorb with plastics when they come into contact with them in the ocean. Therefore, these chemicals enter marine organisms along with plastics (Takada, 2013).
Toxins in the Human Body
Both the chemicals that enter the bodies of marine organisms as well as the plastic itself can have adverse effects on both marine and human health. Persistent organic pollutants, including the harmful pesticide DDT and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) have been shown to have adverse health effects in humans. These POPs have been shown to cause reproductive disorders, an increase in cancer risk, an increase in birth defects, and disruption to the endocrine system, among other effects.
Plastic particles themselves are thought to have negative effects as well. A study in 2012 showed that microplastics in mussels cause a strong inflammatory response (Seltenrich, 2015). Although the effects of these chemicals are not fully known, it is clear that they pose a threat to human health.
Plastic in the Ocean Damages Human Health
On the coasts of many developing countries, citizens depend on the oceans for food. According to the Ocean Conservancy, more than 2.6 million people rely on marine organisms for a primary source of protein. However, due to plastic pollution and other contributing factors, there has been a decrease in fish populations. It is more difficult for local fishermen to catch food for themselves and their families, or to catch enough fish to sell . This puts a strain on a population that is already struggling under the weight of poverty.
Tourism
Many countries, specifically developing countries, depend on tourism to keep the economy afloat. However, the plastic in the ocean washes up on beaches, creating an ugly sight and reducing tourist traffic and losing millions of dollars in income each year.
Cleanup
The cost of cleaning up plastics from the oceans and beaches is large, and a better solution would be preventing the use of plastics. Low-cost methods are being developed to cleanse the ocean of plastic. However, small particles of plastic can be very difficult to recapture.
Fewer Fish for Fisheries
In addition to plastics in the ocean, overfishing, bycatch, and increasing water temperatures have contributed to the decline of many populations of fish. This decline is costing fisheries millions of dollars per year. A loss of larger fish causes fisheries to capturing small fish closer to the base of the food chain, increasing environmental destruction and stress.
Economic Impact
By A. Vernon
Less Fish in the Ocean