Ocean pollution is one of the largest growing issues in the world, creating global complications for both the creatures that reside within it and the creatures that inhabit the land; more specifically, humans. Though the human race is greatly impacted by the polluted oceans, we continue to fill the waters with filth and garbage. The two largest forms of ocean pollution are oil spills and garbage disposal. Many countries fail to place protective laws that will conserve the ocean, meaning people can throw endless waste into the waters without facing any repercussions.
This picture is an aerial view of the BP oil spill in 2010. During this spill, over 200 million gallons of crude oil dumped into the ocean. It was responsible for the death of millions of sea animals and the long lasting effects still linger to this day. This is considered the largest accidental marine spill in history. Oil spills such as this one occur far too often, compromising the state of our oceans and ending the lives of too many innocent animals.
Pictured here is a boat travelling through what is known as the Great Pacific Garbage Patch. It is a large island-type form of built up waste that has accumulated through the years. It spans from the west coast of North America to Japan, spinning in a vortex-like motion, collecting more and more trash as time goes by. These "garbage islands" exist throughout the world's oceans and create terrible circumstances for marine life.
As you can see, the problems that are created by ocean pollution desperately need to be put to an end. There are several awareness groups that bring light to the issue and the word can be put out there in more ways than one. Through memes, websites, awareness videos, and campaigns, people can spread the word about ocean pollution and why it is so important to bring this global problem to center stage and find a way to end it for good.
Credits:
Created with images by apasciuto - "Ocean" • MikeBird - "rubbish seaside beach" • Alexander Savin - "Faro, Portugal"