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Protecting Marine Life from Oil Pollution and Marine Debris

Learn about the harmful effects of oil on marine organisms and how marine debris poses a threat to aquatic life. Explore laws and treaties aimed at preventing pollution and safeguarding marine ecosystems.

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Protecting Marine Life from Oil Pollution and Marine Debris

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  1. Sources of Oil in Water

  2. Oil and Organisms • Oil is toxic. • Birds’ feathers rapidly absorb oil decreasing their insulating, buoyancy, and waterproofing capabilities. • Oil exposure to eggs decreases hatch rates, and increases deformities, and causes behavioral changes. • Fish that are exposed to oil often develop fin erosion, skin sores, liver damage, and cancer, and they can also bioaccumulate dangerous chemicals. Photo Credit: Charlie Riedel, AP Photo Credit: Mark Carls, NOAA

  3. Marine Debris • Marine debris is any man-made solid that finds its way into the water. • Plastic items are the most common type of marine debris. Fishing gear, food packaging, glass, metal, medical waste, and cigarette filters are other common types of marine debris. • Cigarette filters release carcinogens and other toxic chemicals when in the ocean. Photo credits top to bottom: Ocean Conservancy, Ocean Conservancy, Lamoit

  4. Laws and Treaties • MARPOL 73/78 is an international treaty governing marine pollution. • 136 countries have signed the MARPOL convention. • US Clean Water Act/Oil Pollution Act 1990 • US Act to Prevent Pollution from Ships (APPS) 1980 • US Ports and Waterways Safety Act of 1972 • Whistleblowers are entitled to a portion of the fines against oil polluters

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