Over 80% of the pollution that makes its way into our oceans from the land comes from something called run-off pollution. Here are some sobering facts that might make you think about how awful our oceans are becoming:
1. Run-off pollution can come form sources such as, septic tanks, cars, trucks, boats, and larger sources such as farms, ranches, or even from forest areas.
2. Cars may only drip one or two drops of oil yet, that oil can make it into the water supply that eventually gets to the ocean in the form of run-off. Think of the extreme amount of oil you see on the streets and driveways every day. When it rains, this is when that becomes run-off pollution.
3. Some of the water pollution you see that is from run off actually started as air pollution.
4. Dirt or grass that has been treated by pesticides can run off into our waterways and make it into the oceans and then into our food supply and back onto our tables. Not a pretty thought but it is happening at an alarming rate.
5. Over 1/3 of all the waters that are designated for shellfish harvesting has been polluted by run off particles.
6. Millions of dollars are spent each year to correct the problem of run off pollution and, yet each year the problem gets worse.
These facts come from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). The NOAA works in conjunction with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Department of Agriculture to educate people on how their every day practices can harm the environment. They also work together with other agencies to correct the mistakes that we have made in harming the environment.
