Marine pollution is a local problem that has affected many industries. Marine pollution is the introduction of substances from humans into the marine environment. Hundreds of maritime species have been negatively impacted by maritime pollution. Marine pollution has resulted in harmful effects such as harm to living resources, hazards to human health, impairment of quality in the use of seawater, and hindrance to marine activities including fishing, maritime transport, and tourism.
It is commonly known that marine pollution, including oil, chemicals, garbage, sewage, and food waste that are all discharged into the sea, negatively affects industries that are dependent on the ocean, such as the fishing industry. Thousands of Jamaicans have relied on the fishing industry as a source of income, and it has significantly contributed to the country's economic growth. As such, Jamaica’s fisheries can be developed and effectively managed since they play a role in the country’s sustainable growth and development. Fishermen in Jamaica are being urged to utilize sustainable practices to safeguard the future of the fishing industry. However, the marine environment and the sustainability of fisheries have been seriously threatened by marine pollution. Marine pollution affects not only marine life but also human life. Toxins from plastics allow fish to become intoxicated. These toxins are very threatening to human health and can cause serious health issues. The nutrition and quality of water can be harmed by pollution, thus limiting the growth of fish. Moreover, pollutants cause oxygen depletion, which causes fish to suffocate. Hence, it is noticeable that this problem has a negative impact on Jamaica’s fishing industry. While Jamaica’s fishing industry tries to achieve sustainable development, marine pollution helps hindering them from achieving such a goal.
Marine pollution also affects coral reefs. Healthy coral reefs sustain both commercial and subsistence fisheries as well as jobs and businesses through tourism and recreation. However, coral reefs are severely threatened by marine pollution, which causes the reefs to degrade over time. Once there is damage to coral reefs, they are less able to sustain the various organisms that inhabit them. When runoff carries nutrients from agricultural areas and pollutants such as pesticides and petroleum products seep into waterways, they deplete the oxygen level in the water. Over time, the nutrients build up, causing algae to grow on reefs. As they continue to decay, the oxygen level in the water continues to decrease. Coral reefs are adapted to low nutrient levels; therefore, when there is an abundance, it causes algae to grow and block the sunlight, which depletes the oxygen that corals need to breathe. This frequently leads to an imbalance that affects the entire ecosystem. Additionally, too many nutrients can promote the growth of fungi and bacteria that are harmful to corals. Coral degradation is a major problem that not only Jamaica faces but is a worldwide issue. Therefore, the issue of marine pollution should be addressed to prevent the destruction of coral reefs.
In accordance with the Paris Agreement, Jamaica's Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) Implementation Plan details the country's plans to cut greenhouse gas emissions, lessen the consequences of climate change, and promote sustainable development practices. Marine pollution is connected to Jamaica’s Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) as marine plastic pollution breaks down into micro-plastics and directly contributes to climate change through the release of greenhouse gas emissions. Microorganisms convert pollutants like nitrogen and those caused by human activities into greenhouse gases. It is noticeable that marine pollution goes against the country’s plan for reducing greenhouse gas emissions, mitigating the effects of climate change, and promoting sustainable development practices. Hence, once this issue is addressed, it will assist Jamaica in fulfilling its commitment to reduce its emissions and adapt to the impact of climate change.
Like other environmental issues, marine pollution is complex. Therefore, it demands a systems thinking technique with unified action to address the issue so that Jamaica can achieve strong sustainability in the future. A holistic approach requires understanding the causes and working closely with stakeholders, policymakers, and the sector to find solutions. To alleviate this local problem, strategies should be put into practice, such as good waste management. Proper waste management includes improving systems for the collection, recycling, transportation, recycling, reuse, and final disposal of solid waste. Jamaica can also collaborate with international organizations by developing science-based and innovative solutions to tackle marine pollution. Jamaica can also increase public awareness about marine pollution and educate the public about the devastating effects it has on our fishing industry. By doing this, they can develop educational programs to educate the general public about this issue and give tips on how locals can participate in reducing marine pollution.
Help us tackle the issue of marine pollution! Feel free to leave a comment below on how you can play a part in reducing the impact of marine pollution on coral reef degradation.