Oceans may have more plastic than fish by 2050: report

The World’s oceans may have more plastic than fish by the year 2050, a new report published by the World Economic Forum says.

The study found that 32 per cent of all plastic packaging does not get collected and finds its way into ecosystems, including oceans.

Eight million tonnes of plastic ends up in oceans each year –- the equivalent of one garbage truck being dumped per minute, the study suggests. It also predicts the number could increase to two trucks per minute by 2030 and four by 2050.

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MORE: Why our oceans are choking on our garbage and how we can stop it

“The reason we are seeing so much plastic in the oceans is because human beings are very careless with their waste,” Sheila White, founder of the Litter Prevention Program, said. The organization is based in Toronto.

“As long as people throw it around, or leave it loose, and don’t take responsibility for it we are going to have litter pervading our streets and into our waterways,” she added.

Based on interviews with more than 180 experts, the report found that most plastic isn’t recycled. “Things people need to do first of all is take responsibility for the waste that’s in their hands, no matter what it is. They need to make sure that gets into a bin,” White said.

The impact of marine litter is a global concern, she added. “The plastic litter is causing harm to wildlife and fish marine life. They are getting choked and tangled, and they are starving to death because litter is occupying the marine landscape,” White said.