Merijäte

Merijäte is a Finnish term that translates to "sea waste" or "marine litter" in English. It encompasses all man-made waste that has been discarded or lost into the marine and coastal environment. This includes a wide range of materials such as plastics, metals, glass, rubber, textiles, and even abandoned fishing gear, often referred to as "ghost gear."

The accumulation of merijäte poses significant threats to marine ecosystems and human health. Marine animals can ingest or become entangled in waste, leading to injury, starvation, and death. Plastic debris, in particular, can break down into smaller microplastics, which are then consumed by a variety of organisms and can enter the food chain. Furthermore, merijäte can damage sensitive habitats like coral reefs and seagrass beds.

Sources of merijäte are diverse, originating from land-based activities such as inadequate waste management, industrial discharges, and storm runoff, as well as from sea-based activities like shipping, fishing, and recreational boating. Efforts to combat merijäte involve reducing waste generation at its source, improving waste management infrastructure, promoting responsible consumption, and organizing clean-up initiatives. International cooperation and policy development are also crucial in addressing this global environmental challenge.