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Marine Litter Crisis: Causes, Effects & Solutions l UPSC CSE

Marine Litter Crisis: Causes, Effects & Solutions l UPSC CSE


Introduction

Marine litter is an escalating global environmental crisis, severely impacting marine biodiversity, fisheries, tourism, and human health. A recent study published in the Journal of Environmental Management (Elsevier) highlights that Lakshadweep's coral reef ecosystem faces an existential threat due to increasing plastic pollution. Addressing marine litter is crucial for preserving ocean health and ensuring sustainable development.

What is Marine Litter?

Marine litter refers to persistent, human-made waste that accumulates in marine and coastal environments. This includes both:

  • Macroplastics: Large plastic debris such as bottles, fishing nets, and packaging materials.

  • Microplastics: Small plastic particles (<5mm) originating from cosmetic products, synthetic textiles, and the breakdown of larger plastic waste.

Major Sources of Marine Litter:

  1. Land-Based Waste: Poor solid waste management leads to plastic entering rivers and oceans.

  2. Fishing Industry: Abandoned, lost, or discarded fishing gear (ghost nets) contribute to pollution.

  3. Shipping & Offshore Activities: Discharges from cargo ships, oil rigs, and container losses at sea.

  4. Tourism & Coastal Activities: Improper disposal of plastics by tourists and coastal settlements.

Causes of Marine Litter

  1. Plastic Pollution:

    • Over 80% of marine litter consists of plastic waste.

    • An estimated 5.25 trillion plastic particles are floating in the oceans (UNEP Report).

  2. Improper Waste Disposal:

    • Weak waste management systems lead to unregulated dumping into rivers and seas.

  3. Maritime & Fishing Industry:

    • Lost fishing gear and oil spills degrade marine ecosystems.

  4. Tourism & Urbanization:

    • Increasing coastal tourism results in plastic waste accumulation.

  5. Climate Change & Rising Sea Levels:

    • Ocean currents redistribute marine litter, making cleanup difficult.

Consequences of Marine Litter

1. Economic Impact

  • 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 on plastic waste cleanup, affecting trade efficiency.

2. Human Health Risks

  • 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, causing health issues.

  • Navigation Hazards:

    • Floating 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 increases plastic pollution.

  5. Climate Change & Ocean Currents:

    • Marine litter dispersal complicates cleanup efforts.

Way Forward: Solutions to Reduce Marine Litter

  1. Strengthen Policy Enforcement:

    • Implement strict marine litter laws at ports and coastal areas.

    • Impose heavy penalties for violations.

  2. Enhance Waste Management & Recycling Infrastructure:

    • Establish ocean waste recycling centers.

    • Promote biodegradable packaging and alternatives.

  3. Expand Community-Based Clean-up Programs:

    • Encourage public participation in coastal clean-up drives.

    • Conduct awareness campaigns in coastal regions.

  4. Adopt Circular Economy Principles:

    • Promote Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) for plastic manufacturers.

    • Encourage waste-to-energy projects and plastic repurposing.

  5. Strengthen International Cooperation:

    • Collaborate with IMO, UNEP, FAO, and other organizations for best practices.

    • Participate in global treaties on plastic waste reduction.

Conclusion

Marine litter is a growing threat to ocean ecosystems, economies, and human health. India must strengthen its waste management policies, enforce stricter regulations, and promote eco-friendly alternatives to curb marine pollution. A collective approach involving government, industry, and civil society is essential for protecting India's coastal and marine environments.

UPSC CSE Multiple-Choice Questions (MCQs)

  1. Which of the following statements about marine litter is correct?                                            a) Marine litter only consists of plastic waste.
    b) It includes both macroplastics and microplastics.
    c) Marine litter does not affect human health.
    d) It originates only from ocean-based activities.
    Answer: (b) It includes both macroplastics and microplastics.

  2. What percentage of marine litter is composed of plastic waste?                                                a) 50%
    b) 60%
    c) 80%
    d) 95%
    Answer: (c) 80%

  3. Which of the following sectors contributes significantly to marine litter? a) Maritime & fishing industry
    b) Tourism & coastal activities
    c) Shipping industry
    d) All of the above
    Answer: (d) All of the above

  4. Which international regulation addresses marine pollution from ships?                                  a) Kyoto Protocol
    b) MARPOL Annex V
    c) Basel Convention
    d) Paris Agreement
    Answer: (b) MARPOL Annex V

  5. What is one of the major solutions to tackling marine litter?                                                    a) Encouraging single-use plastics
    b) Strengthening policy enforcement
    c) Reducing marine biodiversity
    d) Increasing ocean dumping
    Answer: (b) Strengthening policy enforcement

UPSC Mains Question

Q: "Discuss the impact of marine litter on coastal ecosystems and livelihoods. Suggest policy measures India should adopt to mitigate this crisis."

Final Thoughts

Marine litter is not just an environmental issue; it is a socio-economic challenge requiring urgent action. India’s coastal regions, tourism industry, and marine biodiversity depend on sustainable waste management, strong policies, and international collaboration. Through innovative solutions and collective responsibility, we can work towards a cleaner, healthier ocean ecosystem.

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