Human Causes of Marine Environmental Pollution: A Focus on Shoreline Degradation in Africa

Introduction

Marine environments, which support an incredible diversity of life and provide essential services to human communities, are under significant threat from pollution caused by human activities. From plastic debris floating in the oceans to toxic chemicals seeping into coastal waters, the impact of our actions is evident and alarming. In Africa, where communities rely heavily on the coast for their livelihoods, the consequences of marine pollution are particularly severe. This article explores the primary human-induced causes of marine pollution, with a focus on shoreline degradation in Africa, and the urgent need for collective action.

Plastic Pollution

Plastic pollution is one of the most pervasive threats to marine environments worldwide. Every year, millions of tons of plastic waste enter the oceans, with Africa contributing an estimated 8 million metric tons annually. Much of this waste originates from land-based sources, such as improperly managed waste in urban areas, which is then carried by rivers to the sea. On Africa's coastlines, plastic bottles, bags, and other debris are a common sight, choking marine life and disrupting ecosystems.

A 2020 report by the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) highlighted that over 200,000 tons of plastic are currently polluting the Mediterranean Sea, much of which washes up on North African shores. In West Africa, studies have shown that up to 90% of marine litter found on beaches is plastic, underscoring the scale of the problem.

Oil Spills

Oil spills are another significant contributor to marine pollution, with devastating effects on coastal and marine ecosystems. Africa's oil-producing regions, such as the Niger Delta in Nigeria, are particularly vulnerable. The Niger Delta has suffered from chronic oil spills due to pipeline leaks, illegal refining, and tanker accidents. It is estimated that over 13 million barrels of oil have been spilled in the Niger Delta since the 1950s, contaminating the land, rivers, and coastal waters.

The impact of these spills is profound, affecting the livelihoods of local communities, decimating fish populations, and causing long-term damage to the environment. The oil slicks that spread across the water surface block sunlight, affecting photosynthesis in aquatic plants, and coat the feathers and fur of marine animals, leading to their death.

Chemical Runoff

Chemical runoff from agricultural activities and industrial processes is another major source of marine pollution. Pesticides, fertilizers, and heavy metals wash into rivers and eventually reach the ocean, where they accumulate in sediments and enter the food chain. In regions like East Africa, where agriculture is a key economic activity, the use of agrochemicals has led to the degradation of coastal waters.

For instance, in Kenya, studies have found high levels of chemical contaminants in the waters near Mombasa, one of the country's largest cities. The excessive use of fertilizers and pesticides in agriculture leads to nutrient loading in coastal waters, causing algal blooms that deplete oxygen and create "dead zones" where marine life cannot survive.

Sewage and Wastewater

Untreated sewage and wastewater are also significant contributors to marine pollution in Africa. Many coastal cities and towns lack proper sewage treatment facilities, resulting in the direct discharge of raw sewage into the ocean. This not only pollutes the water but also poses serious health risks to local communities who depend on the sea for food and recreation.

In South Africa, for example, a study revealed that 70% of coastal water bodies are contaminated with untreated or partially treated sewage, leading to high levels of pathogens and nutrients in the water. This has led to the degradation of coral reefs, the death of marine species, and the decline of local fisheries.

Finally, human-induced causes of marine pollution are numerous and varied, but their effects are universally damaging. In Africa, where coastal communities are deeply intertwined with the ocean, the impact of pollution is particularly acute. Addressing this issue requires concerted efforts at local, national, and international levels, from improving waste management practices to enforcing regulations on industrial discharges. By taking action now, we can help protect Africa's coastlines and ensure that they continue to support vibrant ecosystems and human livelihoods for generations to come.