Marine Litter

GS Paper 3:

Syllabus: Environment

Source:  DTE

Context: A study published in the Journal of Environmental Management (Elsevier) has highlighted a growing marine litter crisis in Lakshadweep, with plastic pollution posing an existential threat to coral reef ecosystems.

About Marine Litter:

What is Marine Litter?

• Persistent, human-made waste that accumulates in the marine and coastal environment, affecting marine biodiversity and human livelihoods.
• Includes macroplastics (large plastic debris) and microplastics (small plastic particles <5mm).
• Major sources: Land-based waste, fishing gear, ship discharges, and ocean dumping.

Causes of Marine Litter:

1. Plastic Pollution: Over 80% of marine litter consists of plastic waste, with an estimated 5.25 trillion plastic particles floating in the oceans (UNEP Report).
2. Improper Waste Disposal: Poor solid waste management leads to unregulated dumping into rivers and seas.
3. Maritime & Fishing Industry: Lost fishing gear (“ghost nets”) and oil spills contribute to ocean pollution.
4. Tourism & Coastal Activities: Plastic bottles, food packaging, and discarded items from tourists severely impact marine ecosystems.
5. Shipping Industry & Offshore Activities: Discharges from cargo ships, oil rigs, and container losses at sea add to marine litter.

Consequences of Marine Litter:

1. Economic Impact

1. • Loss of fisheries & tourism revenue: The global fishing industry loses $1.3 billion annually due to marine plastic pollution (FAO 2023).
   • Increased port & shipping costs: Ports spend millions cleaning up plastic waste, affecting trade efficiency.

2. Human Health Risks

1. • Microplastics in food chain: A 2021 study found microplastics in 114 marine species, many of which are consumed by humans (GESAMP 2021).
   • Water contamination: Plastic chemicals leach into water sources, leading to health issues.
   • Navigation hazards: Floating plastic debris damages ship engines and fishing nets, endangering livelihoods.

Challenges in Eradicating Marine Litter:

1. Lack of Waste Management Infrastructure: 90% of India’s plastic waste is mismanaged, leading to ocean dumping.
2. Limited Enforcement of Regulations: Illegal dumping and non-compliance with MARPOL Annex V remain concerns.
3. High Plastic Dependency: India produces 3.5 million tons of plastic waste annually, with low recycling rates.
4. Rising Coastal Tourism & Urbanization: Unregulated tourism growth leads to increased plastic pollution in coastal areas.
5. Climate Change & Rising Sea Levels: Ocean currents redistribute marine litter, making cleanup difficult.

Way Ahead:

1. Strengthen Policy Enforcement: Implement marine litter laws at ports and coastal areas, with strict penalties for violations.
2. Enhance Recycling & Waste Infrastructure: Establish Ocean waste recycling centers and promote biodegradable alternatives.
3. Expand Community-Based Clean-up Programs: Increase public participation in coastal clean-up drives and awareness campaigns.
4. Adopt Circular Economy Principles: Encourage extended producer responsibility (EPR) for plastic manufacturers.
5. International Cooperation: Strengthen India’s partnerships with IMO, UNEP, and FAO for global best practices in marine waste reduction.

Conclusion:

Marine litter is a growing threat to ocean ecosystems, economies, and human health. India must strengthen its waste management, enforce stricter regulations, and promote eco-friendly alternatives to curb marine pollution. A collective approach involving global cooperation, industry participation, and local engagement is essential for safeguarding India’s coastal and marine environments.

PYQ:

1. What is oil pollution? What are its impacts on the marine ecosystem? In what way is oil pollution particularly harmful for a country like India? (UPSC-2023)