The ocean is the most magnificent ecosystem on the planet and is home to some of the most beautiful and mysterious creatures in the world. The ocean produces over 97% of the world’s water supply as well as 70% of the oxygen that we breathe. Without the ocean, we would not exist.

However, this fundamental system for life on earth is coming under attack from pollution. Pollution comes in many shapes and forms with one of the most dangerous forms being toxic chemicals. Toxic chemicals are being deliberately dumped into the ocean from industrial sources as well as pouring in at an alarming rate via surface run-off. Surface run-off is where a large amount of water, either from rain or flooding, washes over land taking with it harmful chemicals, which includes petrochemicals, oil, fertilisers and pesticides. These chemicals collect in certain areas within the ocean creating inhospitable environments for marine life, which are known as ‘dead-zones’. There are approximately 405 of these ‘dead-zones’ located around the globe, with one of the largest found in the Gulf Of Mexico, that spans for roughly 5000 square miles, which, according to a study in 2010, is almost completely devoid of life.

If you would like to learn more about ocean pollution and how it affects marine life as well as mankind, take a look at the fascinating infographic below, created by the team at divein.com…

Source: Dive.in