If you want to reduce plastic pollution in the ocean, you must tackle the problem where it is most significant. Over 70% of the macroplastics that end up in the ocean are fishing gear.
The global production of plastic has exceeded an alarming 400 million tons annually, serving various industrial and consumer purposes. However, a distressing consequence of this widespread usage is the staggering volume of plastic waste that finds its way into our oceans. Astonishingly, at least 14 million tons of plastic enter our marine ecosystems each year, constituting a disquieting 80% of all marine debris, encompassing surface waters and even penetrating the depths of our ocean sediments.
The repercussions of this rampant plastic pollution are profound and devastating. Countless marine species fall victim to the perilous presence of plastic waste, either ingesting it or becoming ensnared, leading to grievous injuries and tragic fatalities within these vulnerable ecosystems. Moreover, the ramifications extend far beyond the aquatic realm, as plastic pollution poses a grave threat to food safety and quality, jeopardizing not only marine life but also the health of humanity itself.
In addition to the immediate ecological and health concerns, the pervasive issue of plastic pollution contributes significantly to the ongoing global challenge of climate change. The production and disposal of plastic generate greenhouse gas emissions, exacerbating the perilous effects of climate change, which loom over our planet.
As we grapple with these multifaceted challenges, there is an undeniable and pressing need to explore, and indeed, establish, new and binding international agreements to combat marine plastic pollution. This issue transcends national boundaries and demands a concerted global effort to mitigate its catastrophic consequences. Only through collaborative, legally binding measures can we hope to reverse the tide of plastic pollution that threatens our oceans, our food supply, our health, and the very future of our planet.
At NorTrap, we have now developed a product that prevents the loss of fishing gear and ensures that both the fishing equipment and the catch end up with the rightful owner.
