Water pollution: effects on the ocean

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, 31 October 2024
Water pollution: effects on the ocean
Rye Harbour © Barry Yates

By Sarah Ward

Conservation Officer - Marine

All drains and rivers lead to the sea – meaning that the sea often sees the impact of our on-land activities, whether we mean it to or not.

We all know that sewage and pollutants pose a danger to human health, but we mustn’t forget they also have a huge impact on the animals and plants living in our seas, threatening ocean recovery.

Pollution entering the sea from the land comes from a variety of sources, principally what gets released through sewage overflow systems, and run-off from the land and roads. This has led to the UK being ranked as one of the worst European countries for coastal water and bathing water quality.

Not only is pollution in our seas unpleasant and a health risk, but it also damages natural ocean ecosystems and habitats, potentially changing food web structures, reducing biodiversity and inhibiting the ocean’s ability to sequester and store carbon.

Sewage pollutants can be linked with eutrophication, which is where increased levels of nutrients in the water lead to excessive plant growth, reduced oxygen levels and harmful algal blooms. Other types of pollutants are known to impact fish and shellfish – some are known to be hormone disruptors, which can have long-term effects on the reproductive ability of the species.

Sussex Wildlife Trust is working protect our marine environment locally and as part of the wider national picture. We work with decision-makers and water companies to promote space for nature at sea as a priority, as well as focusing on nature-based solutions and restoration at scale. We will keep demanding meaningful action and genuine government leadership to ensure that our natural environment is rightfully restored and respected, for wildlife and people.

We’ll be joining thousands of people at the March For Clean Water on Sunday 3 November to demand government action to end pollution of our rivers, lakes and sea. Please join us if you can – register here: https://marchforcleanwater.org/

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