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How can Ocean Pollution be Prevented?

Margo Upson
Margo Upson
Margo Upson
Margo Upson

Ocean pollution is caused by chemicals and other debris contaminating ocean waters. Oil spills, factory run off, and litter all contribute to the issue. Although some natural events, such as volcanoes, can cause some pollution, the majority come from human activities. Fortunately, there are many things that can be done to prevent this problem.

Water is one of the most valuable natural resources on Earth, and it needs to be protected. One of the best ways to do this is to learn about proper waste removal practices. Automobile oil, paint, and leftover cleaning chemicals should all be properly disposed of, and not just dumped down the drain, thrown away, or spilled on the ground. Any of these methods can affect the local water supply, and possibly lead to more pollution in the ocean.

Oil floating on ocean water.
Oil floating on ocean water.

People need to be conscientious about their trash and not litter. Following a recycling program can help reduce the amount of garbage that is being sent to dumps. Runoff water can carry garbage and other contaminants to the ocean, where they have the potential of harming wildlife. Individuals can also organize community cleanup days, especially if they live near a major body of water, such as the ocean, a lake, or a river.

Oil booms being used to limit the spread of an oil spill in the ocean.
Oil booms being used to limit the spread of an oil spill in the ocean.

It can also be useful for individuals to let the government know that they are concerned about the amount of industrial waste that is dumped into oceans. This is one of the most devastating forms of water pollution. People can insist on stricter government regulations for factory waste disposal, and encourage companies to use cleaner ways to treat and dispose of waste.

Recycling is one way to prevent ocean pollution because it cuts down on the amount of garbage at the dump, resulting in less garbage runoff polluting the ocean.
Recycling is one way to prevent ocean pollution because it cuts down on the amount of garbage at the dump, resulting in less garbage runoff polluting the ocean.

There are many great reasons to prevent ocean pollution. One of the biggest is the effect that pollution can have on the food chain. Many pollutants can kill off large populations of smaller marine animals and plankton, which are then no longer available for larger animals to eat. This shortage soon begins to reduce the numbers of the larger animals. As the chain continues, the number of sea creatures in the ocean gets smaller and smaller, which reduces the amount of fish available for commercial markets. The pollutants can also make seafood unsafe to eat. This has already begun to happen with mercury in several varieties of larger fish that have been contaminated with mercury.

A polluted area near an ocean.
A polluted area near an ocean.

One of the best ways to protect the planet is to keep the oceans healthy, and there are many ways for people to make a difference. Cutting down on water use, being careful about any chemicals that come in contact with water supplies, and encouraging large companies to improve their waste management techniques are only three of the many possibilities. Learning more about how to help prevent ocean pollution is one of the best things a person can do to make the world a cleaner place.

Margo Upson
Margo Upson

Margo has a varied academic background, which has involved everything from psychology and culinary arts to criminal justice and education. These wide-ranging interests make her an ideal AboutMechanics writer, as she always enjoys becoming an expert on new and unfamiliar topics.

Learn more...
Margo Upson
Margo Upson

Margo has a varied academic background, which has involved everything from psychology and culinary arts to criminal justice and education. These wide-ranging interests make her an ideal AboutMechanics writer, as she always enjoys becoming an expert on new and unfamiliar topics.

Learn more...

Discussion Comments

anon933471

Stop or the whole wide world will end and we will all be dead and there will no more life in the whole universe.

anon926462

Oil spills happen when there is a accident from a boat. Of course, it is man-made, and humans will experience the bad effects from them because oil makes fishes and other creatures get some diseases. Fishermen catch them and as a result, people eat them. So people need to be careful and stop polluting.

anon925101

This is not right! We shouldn't litter.

anon353873

I hate marine pollution!

anon336643

People need to stop. It's killing the world.

anon329908

I agree people shouldn't litter, because in the long run, everyone pays.

anon270274

Why do people throw their trash in the ocean?

anon206668

I totally agree pollutants are dangerous and disgusting and it needs to be put to a stop!

anon164415

yes animals will die.

anon160550

if we don't stop this, will animals die?

anon84745

because people aren't careful. They're just in it for the money.

anon83529

Why do oil spills happen?

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    • Oil floating on ocean water.
      By: Focusedone
      Oil floating on ocean water.
    • Oil booms being used to limit the spread of an oil spill in the ocean.
      By: Pshaw-Photo
      Oil booms being used to limit the spread of an oil spill in the ocean.
    • Recycling is one way to prevent ocean pollution because it cuts down on the amount of garbage at the dump, resulting in less garbage runoff polluting the ocean.
      By: RTimages
      Recycling is one way to prevent ocean pollution because it cuts down on the amount of garbage at the dump, resulting in less garbage runoff polluting the ocean.
    • A polluted area near an ocean.
      By: Vladimir Melnik
      A polluted area near an ocean.
    • Runoff can carry contaminants into the ocean.
      By: Marcin Sadlowski
      Runoff can carry contaminants into the ocean.