Plastic smog is contaminating our oceans -scientists call industry to take responsibility

Plastic is everywhere, especially in the places we do not want it. A recent study by a team of international scientists warns that our oceans have been contaminated by "plastic smog."

The peer-reviewed study published in Plos One warns that "an estimated 171 trillion plastic particles that, if gathered, would weigh around 2.3 million tons" are polluting the world's oceans. 

The international scientific team gathered and analyzed data from around the world from 1979 to 2019.

CNN reported that the data collected included almost "12,000 sampling points in the Atlantic, Pacific and Indian oceans and the Mediterranean Sea."

The authors of the study took 11,777 samples from roughly 600 feet of depth, which is considered the ocean's surface layer, so that they could estimate the average amount of microplastics in that layer as time went on, as collected by CBS.

The scientists then compared the data "to a historic overview of international policy measures aimed at reducing ocean pollution."

The results both astounded and worried the authors of the study. Lisa Erdle, one of the report's authors and the director of research and innovation at the 5 Gyres Institute, told CNN, "It is much higher than previous estimates."

The 5 Gyres Institute, which also organized the international study, said in a statement: "Our data shows an increase in ocean plastic pollution at the same time as a decrease in effective laws and agreements."

The statement continued, "There are many factors to consider (e.g., increases in production and waste, fragmentation of existing plastics), but the need for legally binding agreements cannot be overstated."

According to the authors of the study, if urgent policy action is not taken, the results for our oceans will be disastrous.

Furthermore, per CNN the report states that if nothing is done, "the rate at which plastics enter the oceans could increase by around 2.6 times between now and 2040."

Dr Marcus Eriksen, one of the study's authors, told CBS, "The exponential increase in microplastics across the world's oceans is a stark warning that we must act now at a global scale."

Eriksen went on to say that we need to "stop focusing on cleanup and recycling and usher in an age of corporate responsibility for the entire life of the things they make."

We produce and use far too much plastic, more than our waste management systems can handle. As noted by CNN, globally, only around 9% of plastics are recycled annually.

Dr Marcus Eriksen blames maritime policies for much of the plastic pollution, saying that the effectiveness of the policies protecting our oceans has decreased over the past fifteen years.

However, Dr Eriksen also blames the plastic industry and says it is time for them to take responsibility. "Cleanup is futile if we continue to produce plastic at the current rate."

Eriksen continued, "We have heard about recycling for too long while the plastic industry simultaneously rejects any commitments to buy recycled material or design for recyclability. It's time to address the plastic problem at the source."