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Concerted global efforts needed to protect oceans from pollution  

Published : Monday, 17 March, 2025 at 12:00 AM  Count : 474
Arnab Ashraf
Our oceans are in distress at the present time. Covering more than 70 per cent of earth's surface, they are often described as the lifeblood of the planet, sustaining ecosystems, regulating the climate, and providing food and oxygen to billions of people. Yet, the oceans are currently facing unprecedented challenges that threaten their ability to sustain life.

And from plastic pollution and chemical runoff to oil spills and overfishing, the oceans are choking under the weight of humanity's disregard. As the Pacific Ocean, the home to one of the most devastating environmental catastrophes, the Great Pacific Garbage Patch, teeters on the brink, it's clear that immediate, coordinated global action is necessary to revive and protect our oceans for future generations.

The Pacific Ocean, the largest of Earth's oceans, is perhaps the most obvious victim of this environmental crisis. Stretching across the vast expanse between Asia, Australia, and the Americas, the Pacific hosts the infamous Great Pacific Garbage Patch (GPGP), a floating mass of plastic waste that is twice the size of Texas. This colossal swirl of debris threatens the very foundation of marine life. It's not just unsightly; it is a silent killer. From plankton to whales, marine species are choked by the plastic pollution that fills the oceans.

Every year, an estimated 8 million metric tonnes of plastic are added to the world's oceans. This plastic waste, once discarded, breaks down into micro-plastics-tiny particles that infiltrate the food chain. These micro-plastics pose a threat not only to marine species but also to humans who consume seafood. Once ingested, these particles accumulate in the bodies of marine creatures, affecting their health and, eventually the humanity.

But plastic is not the only danger lurking beneath the ocean's surface, as oceans are also being poisoned by chemical runoff, oil spills, sewage, and heavy metals; and all of which damage marine ecosystems. The runoff from industrial agriculture, laden with pesticides and fertilizers, flows into rivers that empty into the sea. These chemicals fuel the growth of harmful algae blooms, which, in turn, create "dead zones"-areas where oxygen is depleted, suffocating marine life.

The damage caused by these pollutants is often irreversible. Coral reefs, which are among the most biologically rich ecosystems on Earth, are especially vulnerable. The delicate balance of life in the oceans is being disrupted, and many species are on the brink of extinction.

The destruction of the oceans is not just an environmental issue. It is a global crisis that affects every aspect of life on Earth. The oceans regulate the planet's climate by absorbing carbon dioxide, and they produce more than half of the oxygen.

The vast majority of the world's food source comes from the oceans. For millions of people around the globe, the ocean is not only a source of sustenance but a way of life. But, the relentless degradation of marine ecosystems is leading to food insecurity and threatening the livelihoods of those who depend on fishing and coastal resources.

Yet the oceans' role extends beyond providing food. They serve as climate regulators, absorbing heat from the atmosphere and helping to maintain the delicate balance of temperatures that make Earth habitable. As the oceans warm due to climate change, people are witnessing rising sea levels, increased frequency of extreme weather events, and the destruction of coastal communities.

Despite the grim outlook, there is hope. Modern technology has provided the humanity with powerful tools to address some of the greatest challenges facing the oceans. Innovations in cleanup technology are beginning to show promising results. The Ocean Cleanup Project is using autonomous robots, drones, and AI-powered systems to track, monitor, and remove plastic waste from the oceans. The project's ambitious goal is to eliminate a substantial portion of the Great Pacific Garbage Patch and reduce the amount of plastic in the ocean.
In addition to pollution cleanup, renewable energy technologies offer a promising solution to reducing the pressure on the oceans. Tidal, wave, and offshore wind energy represent sustainable alternatives to fossil fuels, providing clean, renewable power without the environmental costs associated with traditional energy sources. These energy sources can help reduce the carbon emissions that contribute to global warming while simultaneously protecting marine environments. By embracing ocean-friendly energy solutions, we can help mitigate the impacts of climate change and promote sustainable development.

While technology offers significant hope, it is not enough on its own to solve the problem of ocean degradation. The oceans are global resources, and their protection requires a collective, international effort. Political cooperation and collaborative water management are essential to addressing the challenges facing the world's oceans and rivers. Unfortunately, many international organizations dedicated to managing transboundary water resources-such as the Mekong River Commission (MRC) and the Nile Basin Initiative (NBI)-are hindered by political disagreements and a lack of enforcement power. The oceans do not recognize national borders, and pollution and environmental degradation do not stop at the shore. For meaningful change to occur, nations must come together and agree on shared goals for the protection and restoration of the oceans.

One example of successful international cooperation can be found in Egypt's leadership in managing the Nile River. Egypt has worked with upstream nations such as Ethiopia and Sudan to balance competing needs for water, agriculture, and industrial use. Through diplomacy and collaboration, these nations have been able to find solutions that benefit everyone. This model of cooperation offers valuable lessons for addressing global ocean issues. Nations must recognize that the oceans are shared resources, and only by working together can we ensure their preservation for future generations.

The oceans are not just an environmental issue: they are the lifeblood of the planet. They are intrinsically connected to every aspect of life on the earth, from the air we breathe to the food we eat. The oceans regulate the climate, provide sustenance, and sustain entire ecosystems. But if we continue to ignore their plight, the consequences will be dire. Rising sea levels, extreme weather events, food insecurity, and the collapse of marine ecosystems are just a few of the many impacts we will face if the oceans are allowed to deteriorate.

The oceans cannot be saved by one nation, one organization, or one initiative alone. They require a unified global effort. Governments, businesses, and individuals must come together to address the many threats facing the oceans. Whether through technological innovation, policy reform, or international cooperation, we all have a role to play in safeguarding the future of the oceans.

The time to act is now. The oceans are in crisis, and the clock is ticking. But with immediate action, collaboration, and a commitment to sustainability, we can begin to restore the oceans to health. Our future depends on it.

The writer is a journalist with The Daily Observer


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