Every minute, the equivalent of a garbage truck’s worth of plastic enters the ocean, contributing to the estimated 3 to 11 million tonnes of plastic waste now resting on the ocean floor. With plastic use projected to double by 2040, understanding the pathways and impact of plastic pollution is critical for safeguarding marine environments and wildlife. New research from CSIRO and the University of Toronto reveals a staggering amount of plastic pollution accumulating on the ocean floor, raising alarms about the urgent need for action to protect marine ecosystems.
PREDICTIVE MODELS AND KEY FINDINGS
The research utilized scientific data to develop predictive models estimating the distribution of plastic pollution on the ocean floor. Results indicate that plastic mass clusters around continents, with approximately half residing above 200 meters depth, while the remainder is distributed across deeper ocean depths.
IMPLICATIONS AND CALL TO ACTION
The findings underscore the urgent need for enhanced efforts to curb plastic pollution and protect marine ecosystems. Understanding the dynamics of plastic transport and accumulation in the deep ocean is crucial for informing mitigation strategies and reducing the risks posed to marine life.
DR. DENISE HARDESTY ON THE FINDINGS
Dr. Denise Hardesty, Senior Research Scientist at CSIRO, emphasizes the significance of this research, marking the first comprehensive estimate of plastic waste accumulation on the ocean floor. She underscores the alarming reality that the ocean depths have become a reservoir for plastic pollution, trapping millions of tonnes of discarded plastic items, from nets to plastic bags.
ALICE ZHU’S INSIGHTS
Ms. Alice Zhu, PhD Candidate at the University of Toronto and lead author of the study, highlights the gravity of the situation, indicating that the amount of plastic on the ocean floor could be up to 100 times greater than that floating on the surface. This underscores the persistent and pervasive nature of plastic pollution in marine environments.
As plastic pollution continues to threaten the health of our oceans, collaborative action is imperative. By implementing measures to reduce plastic waste at its source and promoting environmental stewardship, we can strive towards a sustainable and plastic-free future for our planet’s marine ecosystems.
