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Negative Effects of Marine Pollution

Marine pollution can come from sources like pesticide runoff to oil spills, and the effects of these contaminants are far-reaching. Pollution impacts not only the plants and animals that live in the water, but also those that rely on the marine environment for food and shelter. That also extends to impacts on humans living both on and away from the coast.

Algae Growth
- Fish can choke when there is too much algae in the water.
  
  One of the most often overlooked negative effects of marine pollution is the creation of algae blooms. When nutrient-rich compounds such as fertilizers and nitrogen-heavy industrial waste ends up in the ocean through rain or water runoff, it creates an environment where algae thrives. When algae is exposed to nutrient-rich waters, it can cause an unnaturally high growth and multiplication rate, known as algae blooms. The surface of the water becomes covered with algae, keeping the sun from reaching plants and animals underwater. Some types of algae can also be toxic in large quantities, and can result in the death of fish and other sea life.
Wildlife Impacts
- Seabirds that feed on fish from contaminated waters can be killed by the toxicity.
  
  Countless marine animals, as well as those who live on the shores of the world's oceans, can be killed by marine pollution. Toxic chemicals dumped into the water can be lethal to those animals who ingest them; chemicals not only poison the water but pollutants such as oil can cover and drown animals that live or hunt in the water.
  
  Garbage that humans throw out every day can make its way into oceans, where it can be eaten by animals from seabirds to whales. Once indigestible material makes it into an animal's stomach or intestinal tract, it can be deadly.
Fishing Industry
- The shellfish humans eat can contain waste products such as heavy metals and pesticides.
  
  The fishing industry relies on healthy waters to catch healthy fish. If fish are caught from polluted waters, they may contain high enough amounts of dangerous chemicals to be considered dangerous to eat. This can not only make them unsuitable for sale and cause an economic impact on the fishing industry, but can also be harmful if the pollution is unseen and the fish is sold.
  
  There is a wide range of pollutants that can impact marine life and in turn be ingested by humans. Waste from water treatment plants can be contaminated with sewage; cooling water and chemicals from nuclear and military facilities as well as pollution from sea-going vessels can all end up poisoning fish and shellfish.
Tourism
- Numerous coastal towns are supported by the tourism their oceanfront views bring.
  
  In addition to the impact on natural ecosystems, marine pollution can also create problems for those who live in areas that rely on their beaches, fishing, seafront hotels and other coastal attractions for income. Many coastal towns rely on their proximity to the ocean to attract tourists that bring along a large amount of the town's yearly income. Beaches that are shut down because of pollution, whale watches that are cancelled because of the illness of the marine animals, polluted waters and threats to animals like sea lions can discourage or eliminate the tourist trade altogether, putting small businesses and restaurants out of business.

Nature