Ocean Life - Ocean Pollution

Ocean Pollution and Oil Spills

Controlling and eliminating ocean pollution are critical for ocean life. US laws concerning ocean pollution causing harm to ocean life from ships include the Ocean Dumping Act, the Ocean Dumping Ban Act, the Marine Plastics Pollution Research and Control Act, and the Oil Pollution Act of 1990 (OPA 90).

The Oil Pollution Act of 1990 was passed after the Exxon Valdez oil spill in Alaska (at Prince William Sound). The Exxon Valdez 1989 oil spill disaster in Alaska brought attention to the liability for oil spills and the need for rapid response in cleanup and damage assessment after oil spills and other ocean pollution events. The OPA 1990 also addresses the rapid payment of damages to those incurring loss or injury from oil spills.

Ocean pollution is caused by many activities by man. Examples are

The use of pesticides and fertilisers which cause ocean pollution and harm ocean life,

Power stations and factories leaking polluted chemicals into the ocean killing many ocean life

Oil tankers are one of the worse cause of ocean pollution. Oil spills can have a lasting damage to ocean life on an enormous scale.

Fishing can also harm ocean life if overdone, and

Waste from sewage from any houses and buildings also account for killing ocean life

Ocean pollution has many negative impact on the world. Ocean pollution does not just kill ocean life, it kills plants and animals feeding on those ocean life and drinking ocean water. Ocean pollution also spoils beaches and swimming areas and can cause people using those beaches to be ill.

Many things can be done to save ocean life and reduce ocean pollution. Laws have been passed to that effect. Several United Nations organizations have established the Joint Group of Experts on the Scientific Aspects of Marine Pollution, known as GESAMP. The name was later changed to Joint Group of Experts on the Scientific Aspects of Marine Protection. These experts provide advice to the United Nations and its members organizations on issues and questions relating to ocean pollution.

Visit Online Zoo