OCEAN POLLUTION Non point source pollution comes from

OCEAN POLLUTION

Non point source pollution -comes from many sources -human activitiesstorm water runoff, runoff from agriculture and industry. -results in changesin 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 n 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. n 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 n Sludge dumping- Sludge is the solid waste in raw sewage – – n Pollutes beaches- is washed up by currents. Kills marine life. Oil spills- – – n (continued) 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 n Nations take notice. Treaty of 1989 signed by 64 countries -prohibits dumping of plastics, metals, oil, and radioactive waste. n 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 n (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.