Plastic Pollution in the Deep Ocean

Barrio Frojan, Christopher, Bergmann, Melanie, Woodall, Lucy, Mestre, Nelia C., Baker, Maria, Gertz, Brandon, Escobar-Briones, Elva, Ekpe, Sonigitu, Pham, Christopher K., Martins, Inês, Dasgupta, Shamik, Bartolotta, Jill and Levin, Lisa A. (2023) Plastic Pollution in the Deep Ocean Deep-Ocean Stewardship Initiative 5pp.

Abstract

Key points:

● Plastic pollution is everywhere, including the deep ocean. The deep ocean is
the ultimate sink for marine plastic debris, where it remains harmful and
unretrievable.

● The deep ocean supports immense biodiversity, providing vital ecosystem
services, but is vulnerable to human impact.

● Plastic can persist for centuries. Therefore, the impact of plastic pollution on
the deep ocean is long-lasting.

● Plastic can fragment into microplastics, which interfere with animal growth,
behaviour and reproduction. Ingested plastic can transfer harmful chemicals
up the food chain.

● Marine plastic comes from both land- and water-based activities. Better
governance and management of these activities is required to prevent the
arrival of plastic in the deep ocean.

● Political and practical efforts to reduce plastic consumption and better
regulate plastic waste management are effective ways to prevent plastic
reaching the deep ocean.

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Contributors

Author: Christopher Barrio Frojan

Author: Maria Baker

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