How does plastic threaten the oceans?

Every year millions of tonnes of plastic end up in the seas and oceans around the world. Waste that is not properly collected or recycled often ends up in rivers, and they then carry it to the sea. Studies show that a large part of the plastic reaches the sea via rivers in Asia, where waste collection often does not work well. Lost or discarded fishing nets are also an important source.

In the Pacific Ocean, between California and Hawaii, ocean currents have been collecting huge amounts of waste for decades. This area is known as the Great Pacific Garbage Patch and according to estimates is about three times larger than France. However, it is not an island of rubbish on which one can walk, as is often thought. Most of the waste consists of tiny pieces that float below the surface and can hardly be seen from a ship. Many sea animals, such as turtles and seabirds, mistake plastic for food and often die.

Over time, sunlight and waves break the plastic into ever smaller pieces. Particles smaller than five millimetres are called microplastics. They have already been found everywhere: from the highest mountains to the deepest parts of the ocean. Fish and mussels swallow microplastics, and so they also end up in our food. Scientists also discovered microplastics in salt, in drinking water and even in human blood and in the placenta. It is not yet clear how harmful they are for health, but researchers warn that the risks should not be underestimated.

In 2019 the European Union adopted a directive against single-use plastics. Since 2021, products such as straws, plastic cutlery, plates and cotton buds have been banned in the member states. In addition, plastic bottles must have attached caps so that they do not end up in nature. Experts believe that the bans are a step in the right direction, but that on their own they are not able to solve the problem.

That is why the member states of the United Nations have been negotiating since 2022 on the first global plastics treaty. The negotiations are difficult, because the countries have very different interests. Many states want to limit the production of plastic, while oil-exporting countries are pushing above all for recycling and better waste management. Because several rounds of talks have so far ended without an agreement, the future of the process remains uncertain. One thing is certain: humanity must produce much less plastic.