2.1 Impact of SUP on marine ecosystems:
One of the major impacts of SUP on marine ecosystems is the ingestion of
plastic [6]. When exposed to the sun’s UV rays, wind, currents, and
natural processes, plastic breaks down into microplastics (particles
smaller than 5 mm) or even nanoplastics (particles smaller than 100 nm).
These tiny particles closely resemble plankton or other small organisms
that marine animals consume [7]. Ingesting SUP can lead to blockages
in the animals’ digestive systems, resulting in starvation,
malnutrition, and even death [8]. Moreover, SUP debris can release
toxic chemicals into the animals’ bodies, leading to various health
problems such as hormonal disruptions, reproductive failure, and organ
damage [8]. This poses a significant threat to the well-being and
survival of numerous marine species, contributing significantly to the
decline in their populations.
Another significant impact of SUP on marine ecosystems is entanglement
[8]. Marine animals such as sea turtles, whales, and seabirds are at
risk of getting trapped or entangled in fishing gear, plastic bags,
ropes, and other debris, which can lead to severe consequences such as
injury, infection, starvation, suffocation, drowning, and even death
[9]. This predicament is particularly perilous for marine mammals
like whales and dolphins, which depend on surfacing to breathe [9].
Also, plastics pose a multifaceted threat to marine ecosystems. Coral
reefs, in particular, suffer greatly from plastic’s destructive
influence [8]. The accumulation of plastic waste on reefs not only
suffocates the organisms inhabiting them, but it also obstructs vital
sunlight from reaching the corals and the organisms dependent on them
for sustenance [10][11]. The significance of coral reefs as
habitats cannot be overstated; they provide refuge and safeguard for a
rich diversity of marine life, encompassing fish, crustaceans, and
mollusks [11]. Moreover, coral reefs occupy a crucial role in the
ocean’s delicate food web by acting as nurseries for commercially
significant fish species [12]. Consequently, the loss of coral reefs
bears catastrophic consequences for marine organisms that rely on them
for survival [12]. Without the protective haven offered by healthy
coral reefs, countless species become susceptible to predation and other
environmental stressors, culminating in diminished fish populations and
a decline in overall marine life, creating a ripple effect throughout
the ecosystem [13].
Additionally, the detrimental effects of SUP extend far beyond the
marine ecosystem and encompass critical implications for both climate
change and ocean acidification [14]. The production and disposal of
plastics, particularly SUP, result in the emission of greenhouse gases,
thereby intensifying global warming and exacerbating the challenges of
climate change [15]. Furthermore, the presence of SUP waste in our
oceans facilitates the absorption and subsequent release of carbon
dioxide, triggering the process of ocean acidification. This phenomenon
poses a severe threat to marine organisms, especially those dependent on
calcium carbonate, such as coral reefs and shellfish [14].
Consequently, the disruption caused to the entire marine ecosystem
yields profound and devastating consequences.
Also, the economic impacts of SUP on marine ecosystems are both
significant and diverse. The financial burden associated with marine
plastic pollution is staggering, with annual expenses per tonne
estimated to range from $3300 to $33,000 [16]. These costs
encompass a wide range of factors, including the expenses incurred in
cleaning up plastic waste, the detrimental effects on revenue within the
fisheries and tourism sectors, and the potential consequences on human
health [4]. The accumulation of SUP waste in our oceans poses a
grave threat to fisheries and other industries that heavily rely on the
vitality of marine ecosystems [7]. Moreover, the presence of SUP
waste not only jeopardizes marine life but also presents a significant
risk to human health, as it contaminates seafood and contributes to
severe issues such as cancer, reproductive problems, and immune system
damage [17]. The devastating effects of SUP on marine ecosystems
underscore the urgent need to take action.