Ocean Pollution

Ocean pollution means the sea has been dirtied by things that do not belong there. This can include plastic, oil spills, and waste from factories. Pollution hurts fish, whales, turtles, and coral reefs. It can also make seafood unsafe to eat. Keeping the ocean clean is important for the whole planet.

Where It Comes From

Much of the trash in the ocean starts on land. Rain washes litter into drains and rivers that lead to the sea. Big ships can also spill oil or dump waste. Farms can send chemicals into rivers that flow to the coast. Even air pollution can fall into the water.

Smoke from a tall factory chimney hides the sun in the sky.
Smoke from a tall factory chimney hides the sun in the sky. (Janak Bhatta / Wikimedia Commons)

Helping the Sea

People join beach cleanups to pick up trash before it floats away. Scientists study the water to see how dirty it is. Laws can stop factories from dumping waste into rivers and oceans. Using less plastic at home also helps a lot. Every person can be a friend to the sea.

Fun Facts

  • About 8 million tons of plastic enter the ocean every year.
  • Oil spills can cover birds and make it hard for them to fly.
  • Coral reefs can get sick when the water around them is polluted.

Did You Know?

Sea turtles sometimes think plastic bags are jellyfish and try to eat them.