22/08/2024
The health of the world’s oceans and seas is increasingly under threat from pollution, overfishing, and climate change. Of these, pollution, particularly from plastic waste, is one of the most pressing issues. Every year, millions of tons of plastic and other debris end up in the oceans, causing widespread harm to marine life and ecosystems. However, the growing awareness of this crisis has sparked a wave of innovation aimed at cleaning up the seas. From cutting-edge technology to grassroots movements, a variety of trends and innovations are making a significant impact on ocean conservation.
The Rise of Ocean Cleanup Technologies
One of the most promising trends in ocean conservation is the development of advanced technologies designed to remove waste from the water. These technologies range from large-scale ocean cleaning systems to more localized solutions for specific areas like rivers and harbors.
1. The Ocean Cleanup Project: The Ocean Cleanup Project is one of the most ambitious initiatives in the field of marine waste management. Founded by Dutch inventor Boyan Slat, the project aims to remove plastic waste from the Great Pacific Garbage Patch using a fleet of autonomous systems. These systems consist of large, floating barriers that concentrate plastic debris, making it easier to collect and remove. The Ocean Cleanup has already made significant progress, successfully capturing and removing large amounts of plastic from the ocean, and the technology continues to be refined for greater efficiency and scalability.
Transition to System 03 Begins, Credit: https://theoceancleanup.com/updates/transition-to-system-03-begins/
2. Seabins and Trash Wheels: For coastal and harbor areas, smaller-scale technologies like Seabins and Trash Wheels have proven effective. Seabins are floating devices installed in marinas and harbors that suck in water, trapping debris in a catch bag before pumping clean water back out. Trash Wheels, such as the famous Mr. Trash Wheel in Baltimore, are powered by river currents and solar energy. They collect floating debris before it can enter larger bodies of water, preventing pollution from reaching the sea. Download:”Evaluating the per aluating the performance of the ‘Seabin formance of the ‘Seabin’ – A fix ’ – A fixed point ed point mechanical litter r mechanical litter removal device for shelter vice for sheltered waters”
Credit: https://pearl.plymouth.ac.uk/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?params=/context/bms-research/article/1765/&path_info=Seabin_20Parker_Jurd_20et_20al_202022.pdf & https://www.psaitaly.com/en/news/seabin-installed-psa-genova-pra
3. Marine Drones and Robots: Marine drones and robotic systems are also being deployed for ocean cleanup efforts. These autonomous devices can operate in areas that are difficult for human crews to reach, such as deep-sea environments or regions with hazardous conditions. Some drones are designed to collect plastic waste, while others monitor pollution levels and identify hotspots where cleanup efforts should be concentrated.
Credit: https://www.blue-jobs.com/blog/how-drones-and-underwater-robotics-are-revolutionizing-marine-science/ & https://www.marinebiodiversity.ca/these-ocean-cleaning-robots-are-transforming-marine-debris-recovery/
Biodegradable Materials and Alternatives to Plastics
Preventing plastic pollution at the source is as important as cleaning up existing waste. Innovations in materials science are leading to the development of biodegradable alternatives to traditional plastics, which break down more quickly and pose less of a threat to marine life.
1. Biodegradable Plastics: Researchers are developing new types of biodegradable plastics that decompose more rapidly in marine environments. These plastics are typically made from natural materials such as cornstarch, algae, or other plant-based resources. Unlike conventional plastics, which can take hundreds of years to break down, biodegradable plastics are designed to degrade within a much shorter time frame, reducing their impact on the environment.
2. Edible Packaging: Another innovative approach to reducing plastic waste is the development of edible packaging. This concept involves creating packaging materials from food-grade substances that can be safely consumed by humans or animals. For example, seaweed-based packaging has gained popularity as an alternative to single-use plastic wraps and containers. If not eaten, these materials biodegrade quickly, minimizing their environmental footprint.
3. Circular Economy and Recycling Innovations: A shift towards a circular economy, where products and materials are reused, refurbished, or recycled, is also gaining momentum. Innovations in recycling technologies are making it easier to reclaim plastic waste and turn it into new products. Chemical recycling, for instance, breaks down plastics into their basic chemical components, which can then be used to create new plastics with the same properties as virgin materials.
Credit: https://informationisbeautiful.net/beautifulnews/1207-plastic-substitutes/
Community-Driven Cleanup Initiatives
While technological innovations play a crucial role in cleaning up the oceans, community-driven initiatives are equally important. Grassroots movements and local organizations are mobilizing volunteers and raising awareness about the importance of ocean conservation.
1. Beach and River Cleanups: Beach and river cleanup events, organized by local communities, NGOs, and environmental groups, have become increasingly popular worldwide. These events not only remove significant amounts of trash from coastal areas but also educate the public about the impact of littering and pollution. The International Coastal Cleanup, organized by the Ocean Conservancy, is one of the largest such efforts, with millions of volunteers participating globally each year.
2. Citizen Science and Data Collection: Citizen science initiatives are empowering individuals to contribute to ocean conservation efforts by collecting data on marine pollution. Smartphone apps and online platforms allow volunteers to record information about plastic waste they encounter during cleanups, contributing to global databases that track pollution trends. This data is invaluable for researchers and policymakers working to address the issue at a larger scale.
3. Educational Campaigns and Awareness: Education and awareness campaigns are essential for changing behavior and reducing plastic waste at the source. Many organizations are working to educate the public about the dangers of plastic pollution and the importance of reducing single-use plastics. Social media campaigns, documentaries, and school programs are helping to spread the message and inspire action among diverse audiences.
International Cooperation and Policy Innovations
Global cooperation and strong policies are critical for addressing ocean pollution on a larger scale. Governments, international organizations, and businesses are beginning to recognize the need for collective action and are implementing measures to protect the oceans.
1. International Agreements: International agreements like the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly Goal 14 (Life Below Water), emphasize the importance of protecting marine ecosystems and reducing pollution. The Global Plastic Action Partnership (GPAP) is another example, bringing together governments, businesses, and civil society to tackle plastic pollution through coordinated efforts.
2. Bans and Regulations on Single-Use Plastics: Many countries and cities have introduced bans or restrictions on single-use plastics, such as plastic bags, straws, and cutlery. These policies are designed to reduce the amount of plastic entering the ocean and encourage the use of more sustainable alternatives. For example, the European Union has implemented a ban on certain single-use plastic items, which is expected to prevent billions of items from polluting the environment each year.
3. Corporate Responsibility and Innovation: Businesses are increasingly recognizing their role in ocean conservation and are taking steps to reduce their environmental impact. Many companies are adopting sustainable packaging, reducing plastic use in their products, and supporting ocean cleanup initiatives. Some are also investing in research and development to create new materials and processes that are less harmful to the environment.
4. IMO and MARPOL Regulations: The International Maritime Organization (IMO) plays a pivotal role in reducing marine pollution through global regulations. The MARPOL Convention (International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships), first adopted in 1973, is one of the most important international treaties designed to prevent marine pollution from ships. MARPOL addresses pollution by oil, chemicals, garbage, sewage, and air pollution from ships. It mandates stringent controls on ship operations and the disposal of waste at sea. These measures are essential for ensuring that global shipping, which carries over 90% of the world’s trade, operates in an environmentally responsible way. The IMO continues to update MARPOL to incorporate new environmental challenges, including limiting greenhouse gas emissions and promoting sustainable shipping practices.
Marine litter presents a huge problem in our oceans, with some scientists warning that, by 2050, the quantity of plastics in the oceans will outweigh fish. IMO has been regulating marine plastic litter for the last 50 years – from the dumping of waste at sea to discharges from ships. IMO is actively working to ensure its existing rules are implemented and is considering new measures, under its strategy and action plan on marine litter. The GloLitter project is working to support specific countries and to raise awareness to address sea based sources of marine litter, including from fisheries. Read more below.
IMO Strategy to address marine plastic litter from ships – zero plastic waste discharges to sea from ships by 2025
IMO’s Marine Environment Protection Committee (MEPC) in 2021 adopted its Strategy to address marine plastic litter from ships, which sets out the ambitions to reduce marine plastic litter generated from, and retrieved by, fishing vessels; reduce shipping’s contribution to marine plastic litter; and improve the effectiveness of port reception and facilities and treatment in reducing marine plastic litter.
The Strategy sets a vision to “strengthen the international framework and compliance with the relevant IMO instruments, endeavouring to achieve zero plastic waste discharges to sea from ships by 2025”.
Download the IMO Strategy to Address Marine Plastic Litter from Ships.
The Strategy also aims to achieve further outcomes, including: enhanced public awareness, education and seafarer training; improved understanding of the contribution of ships to marine plastic litter; improved understanding of the regulatory framework associated with marine plastic litter from ships; strengthened international cooperation; and targeted technical cooperation and capacity-building.
The adoption of the Strategy follows the adoption, in 2018, of the IMO Action Plan to address marine litter alongside actions to be completed by 2025, which relate to all ships, including fishing vessels.
The Strategy and action plan supports IMO’s commitment to meeting the targets set in the UN 2030 Sustainable Development Goal 14 ( SDG 14 ) on the oceans.
The Action Plan notes that marine plastic litter enters the marine environment as a result of a wide range of land- and sea-based activities. Both macroplastics (for example, large plastic items such as plastic bags, water bottles and fishing gear) and microplastics (small plastic particles generally five millimetres or less in size) persist in the marine environment and result in harmful effects on marine life and biodiversity, as well as negative impacts on human health. In addition, marine plastic litter negatively impacts on activities such as tourism, fisheries and shipping. This plastic material has the potential to be brought back into the economy by means of reuse or recycling. Studies demonstrate that despite the existing regulatory framework to prevent marine plastic litter from ships, discharges into the sea continue to occur.
The Action Plan provides IMO with a mechanism to identify specific outcomes, and actions to achieve these outcomes, in a way that is meaningful and measureable. The plan builds on existing policy and regulatory frameworks, and identifies opportunities to enhance these frameworks and introduce new supporting measures to address the issue of marine plastic litter from ships.
Specific identified measures include:
- a proposed study on marine plastic litter from ships;
- looking into the availability and adequacy of port reception facilities;
- consideration of making marking of fishing gear mandatory, in cooperation with the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO);
- promoting reporting the loss of fishing gear;
- facilitating the delivery of retrieved fishing gear to shore facilities;
- reviewing provisions related to the training of fishing vessel personnel and familiarization of seafarers to ensure awareness of the impact of marine plastic litter;
- consideration of the establishment of a compulsory mechanism to declare loss of containers at sea and identify number of losses;
- enhancing public awareness; and
- strengthening international cooperation, in particular FAO and UN Environment.
IMO will continue to work with UN partners, including, the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), through the Joint FAO/IMO Ad Hoc Working Group on illegal, unregulated and unreported (IUU) Fishing and Related Matters; the Joint Group of Experts on the Scientific Aspects of Marine Environmental Protection (GESAMP); the UN Environment-managed Global Partnership on Marine Litter (GPML); the United Nations Open-ended Informal Consultative Process on Oceans and the Law of the Sea (ICP); and the United Nations Environment Assembly (UNEA).
Download the IMO Action plan here.
The growing awareness of ocean pollution has spurred a wave of innovation and action aimed at cleaning up the seas and preventing further harm. From cutting-edge technologies that remove waste from the ocean to community-driven cleanup efforts and international policy initiatives, a multifaceted approach is emerging to tackle this global challenge. While there is still much work to be done, these trends and innovations offer hope for a future where the oceans are cleaner, healthier, and more resilient. By continuing to innovate, cooperate, and take responsibility, humanity can make significant strides towards restoring the health of our oceans and ensuring their protection for generations to come.
FAQ: Emerging Trends in Ocean Cleanup
1. What are the biggest threats to ocean health?
The main threats include plastic pollution, overfishing, and climate change. Plastic waste is particularly urgent, with millions of tons entering oceans yearly, harming marine life and ecosystems.
2. What is The Ocean Cleanup Project?
Founded by Boyan Slat, this initiative uses floating barriers to collect plastic from the Great Pacific Garbage Patch. It has already removed significant waste and continues improving efficiency.
3. How do Seabins and Trash Wheels work?
- Seabins: Floating devices in marinas that suck in water, trapping debris while releasing clean water.
- Trash Wheels: Solar-powered systems (e.g., Baltimore’s Mr. Trash Wheel) that collect river debris before it reaches the ocean.
4. Can drones and robots help clean the ocean?
Yes! Marine drones and robots access hard-to-reach areas, collecting plastic or mapping pollution hotspots for targeted cleanups.
5. What are biodegradable plastics?
Made from plant-based materials (e.g., algae, cornstarch), they break down faster in water than traditional plastics, reducing long-term harm.
6. What is edible packaging?
Packaging made from seaweed or food-grade materials that can be eaten or safely decompose, cutting single-use plastic waste.
7. How does the circular economy reduce ocean plastic?
By recycling plastics into new products (e.g., via chemical recycling), it minimizes waste and keeps plastics out of the ocean.
8. What role do community cleanups play?
Beach/river cleanups (e.g., Ocean Conservancy’s International Coastal Cleanup) remove trash and raise awareness about pollution.
9. How can I report marine pollution?
Use citizen science apps to log plastic waste during cleanups, helping researchers track global pollution trends.
10. What global policies address ocean plastic?
- UN Sustainable Development Goal 14 (Life Below Water)
- IMO’s Strategy for Zero Plastic Waste from Ships by 2025
- EU bans on single-use plastics
11. How is the shipping industry regulated?
The IMO’s MARPOL Convention prevents ship-based pollution, including plastic waste. New rules aim for zero discharges by 2025.
12. What can businesses do?
Companies are adopting sustainable packaging, reducing plastics, and funding cleanup tech like The Ocean Cleanup.
13. Is there hope for cleaner oceans?
Yes! With tech innovations, global policies, and community action, we can reduce pollution and protect marine ecosystems.
By: Reza Karimpour, PhD.
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