OCEAN POLLUTION
Non point source pollution -comes from many sources -human activities- storm water runoff, runoff from agriculture and industry. -results in changes- in nutrient levels in water, causes problems with populations of organisms. -Most of the oil that pollutes the oceans are from nonpoint source pollution
Point source pollution Trash dumping- Many countries still dump trash into the open ocean. Needles and vials of blood containing the AIDS virus have washed up onto beaches. Effects of trash dumping- Ocean dwelling animals might mistake trash for food ( and choke to death) or become entangled in trash resulting in death.
Point source pollution (continued) Sludge dumping- Sludge is the solid waste in raw sewage Pollutes beaches- is washed up by currents. Kills marine life. Oil spills- Usually occur during shipping. Can harm plant and animal life including people. Spills are only 5% of all oil pollution in the ocean. Preventing oil spills- Double hull tankers give two layers of protection.
Saving our resources Nations take notice- Treaty of 1989 signed by 64 countries -prohibits dumping of plastics, metals, oil, and radioactive waste. Citizens take charge- Government spends 130 million a year to clean beaches. Adopt-a- beach program (picking up trash can make the beach safer for plants, animals, and people)
Saving our resources (continued) Action in the U.S. Clean Water Act-1972 U.S. Marine Protection Act- prohibits dumping of anything that would negatively affect humans, marine environments, ecosystems, or businesses.