Marine Pollution Essay

Introduction

It is no secret that many environmental issues impact the human race negatively. It is also no secret that humans are the primary cause of these issues. Time and time again, society has shown a blatant disregard for nature, instead pursuing monetary capital and status by exploiting the earth’s natural resources. These priorities are causing consequences of epic proportions, which those in charge ignore in favor of capital gain.

One of the most pressing issues is marine pollution and its threat to human food security. Marine pollution occurs when harmful, or potentially harmful, effects result from the entry into the ocean of chemicals, particles, industrial, agricultural and residential waste, noise, or the spread of invasive organisms. Basically, it occurs when anything that can cause harm to the ocean and its inhabitants enters the water. Many societal factors contribute to marine pollution, including: climate change, nonpoint source pollution, solid waste, and industry and manufacturing.

But how is marine pollution a threat to human food security? Because the oceans are such a large part of our world, they are naturally a large part of our economy. There are an immeasurable amount of companies and coastal communities that rely on the animals that the ocean supports. Coastal communities depend on what they can harvest from the ocean. Marine pollution holds the threat of starvation for these communities. Companies harvest and sell many types of fish, shellfish, and even seaweed, to assist in feeding the growing population of the world. Marine pollution threatens this resource that is essential to human food security.

There are many anthropogenic threats to the oceans, which result in a number of consequences....

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...neurological development, fatigue, insomnia, nerve damage, increased blood pressure, and reproductive problems.

Seafood that has been affected by solid waste or chemical discharge is especially threatening to coastal populations because not only do they not have a choice but to consume the seafood because of economic standing, but they also do not have the means to medically treat anyone who has been affected by contaminated seafood.

Conclusion

In conclusion, marine pollution is a giant threat to not only marine organisms, but to the human race as well. Pollution can cause dead zones, a decline in fish catch, stunted reproduction and growth and altered breeding patterns, and a threat to coastal populations. Since the human race relies on the ocean for a large portion of its sustenance, it is imperative to mitigate any pollution that can threaten marine species.