70,7% of water covers the surface of the earth. We are addicted to our nature but the humanity does not always work hand in hand with it. And this affects a lot of consequences.
Like the pollution of the marine wildlife. You can distinguish the pollution in two categories: solid and non-solid waste. So we are not always able to see the damage we create. In the following article I will introduce you into the pollution of the marine wildlife and how it affects on humanity.
Let’s begin with solid waste which you can clearly see. Solid waste begins with plastic bags, foam and goes to construction waste and much more. This kind of waste is not natural therefore it does not dissolve from its own. So it can flow in the oceans for many years. The wildlife like fish, dolphins and turtles consume the waste because they mistake it for food. With serious consequences for example blocking the breathing way and stomach of the animals which results in a painful death.

Non solid waste appears in different ways like fertilizer, oil, chemicals, radioactive waste, waste water chemical weapons, emissions from factories and automobiles and many more. So the sources are not always at the shore and still have a big impact on the marine wildlife. The fertilizer for example ends up in the rivers and in the groundwater because rain erodes the soil. This fertilizer make algae flower in the ocean which robs the oxygen in the water. Therefore no life can live in this outcast area. Right now exist about 400 of these dead zones in the world. Another big problem is waste water. Almost 80% of our run-off water is un- or under treated. The problem about the non solid waste is that it requires a hidden period of impact till you notice the consequences.

Just because of these issues almost every marine organism is contaminated with human chemicals. Once in the environment the solid and non solid waste can travel for long distances through air and water. And it affects on the human body in the same way. If we eat contamined fish it causes different diseases like cancer, birth defects and long term health problems. Similar with the destroyed reefs and fouled beaches the chance to get rashes, hepatitis, diarrhea, stomach problems, and vomiting are continually rising.
All in all the pollution our marine wildlife is a current problem and it would even help if you try to lower your waste by choosing a fabric bag instead of a plastic bag in the supermarket.

By Patrick Zimmermann