Notes on Marine Pollution and Plastic Waste

Introduction to Marine Pollution

• 8 million metric tons of plastic trash enter the sea from land every year.
• Equivalent to five plastic bags of trash for every foot of coastline worldwide.
• Plastic trash is dispersed across oceans, concentrating in large areas due to global currents.
• Breaks down into smaller pieces and is ingested by marine species.
• Sinks to the bottom of the sea.

The Plastic Economy

• Anyone can produce and sell plastic anywhere in the world.
• Current system is linear: take, make, dispose.
• Need to transition to a system where plastic is:
  • Recovered and reused as a valuable material.
  • Biodegradable so it can safely enter the environment.
• The ultimate goal is to design an economy where plastic packaging never becomes waste.

Collaboration for Change

• Requires all players in the chain to change practices.
• Marine pollution also includes:
  • Industrial waste
  • Agricultural runoff
  • Urban waste
• These pollutants contribute to explosions of algae that deplete oxygen in marine ecosystems, creating dead zones.

Nutrient Pollution Management

• Nutrient pollution must be managed, especially from agriculture.
• Soil health is critical for improving water quality.
  • Focus on improving organic matter in soil.
  • More organic matter means better nutrient retention (phosphorus and nitrogen).
• Reduces nutrient leaching, benefiting both farmers and water quality in bays.

Farmer's Role in Change

• Changing agricultural systems is challenging for farmers.
• All farmers need training on different practices that support improved soil health and water quality.
• Collaboration and learning are crucial for effective change.