Chapter 6 - Marine Pollution

Abstract

Pollution of the marine environment occurs in many different forms, such as input of chemicals, radioactivity, solid waste, human-induced sedimentation, energy (i.e., heat and noise), as well as in the form of oil spills and what is more and more referred to as “biological pollution” (pathogens, parasites, and invasive species). This chapter describes the different sources, pathways, and threats to marine ecosystems posed by some of the pollutants that are most frequently discussed within research and policy (excluding nutrients and organic material), and attempts to summarize the current and predicted risks associated with marine pollution at a global scale. While pollution can have serious impacts on species and habitats in many areas and regions, the global marine ecosystems may on average be relatively resilient to single types of pollution of typical magnitudes. However, the long-term combined effects of, e.g., chemicals and synergies between different types of pollutants are virtually unknown. Pollution impacts may also undermine the resilience of ecosystems to other stressors such as elevated sea-surface temperatures and ocean acidification. Solid and concise predictions of the future magnitude and impact of marine pollution at global scale are not possible to make, as future global development can take different pathways in terms of, for example, production, transport and consumption patterns of goods, services, and energy.