Plastic waste

For sailors, sea represents freedom, adventure and a close connection with nature. In the Baltic Sea, this experience takes on a unique character – from the rocky islands of Sweden and Finland to the sandy coasts of southern Baltic, it offers diverse and accessible cruising routes. Yet beneath its beauty lies a growing environmental challenge: marine litter, especially plastic pollution.

Sailors often witness this problem firsthand as they spend time on the water – plastics floating and drifting between waves, scattered on beaches, or tangled in ropes and anchors. While much of this pollution originates from land, the sailing community is not only responsible for not contributing to this issue but also uniquely positioned to help reduce it.

The ocean of plastics

Today plastic is one of the most widespread pollutants and by far the most common type of marine debris in the world ^[1]. It has been found in the most remote and inaccessible places on Earth - from Antarctica to the Mariana Trench and accounts for 61 %–87 % of the total of marine litter ^[2]. Estimates show that even 10 million tons of plastic enter the seas worldwide each year ^[3] through various sources: from land, rivers, fishing activities or vessels. The most common plastic waste found in the marine environment are debris originating from everyday use items, such as cosmetic and hygienic products, bottles, food wrappers, single-use bags, cigarette butts, but also fishing gear (so called ghost nets) and paints or coatings flaked from ship hulls (BALTIPLAST project).

Unlike organic materials, plastic does not decompose and ones it enters the environment, it becomes an everlasting pollutant, gradually fragmenting but never fully disappearing. In the marine environment, over time, sunlight and wave action break plastic items into smaller pieces called microplastics – particles less than five millimeters in size, which can appear in various forms, such as fragments, fibers, pellets, granules, or flakes (BALTIPLAST project). Finally, they break into an even smaller form – nanoplastics (<25 μm), which, due to their size, are easily incorporated into the food chain and pose a great risk to ecosystem health ^{[4, 5]}.

Microplastics enter the seas in two ways. While the breakdown of larger waste into microparticles under the influence of environmental factors constitutes a secondary source, they can also be released into the environment directly. Primary sources of microplastics include cosmetic products such as toothpaste and exfoliating scrubs, as well as particles from wearing car tires and synthetic fibers released during washing (BALTIPLAST project). The scale of the problem is well illustrated by the results of a study in which it was estimated that an average wash of synthetic clothes (6 kg) may contribute to the release of up to 700 000 fibres ^[6].

Baltic Sea and plastic pollution

The Baltic Sea has several characteristics that make it particularly sensitive to pollution. It is a semi-enclosed sea, connected to the North Sea only through narrow Danish Straits. Consequently, water exchange is slow and takes approximately 30 years, meaning pollutants, including plastic, can remain in the ecosystem for long periods. Moreover, the Baltic region is densely populated and the catchment area is more than four times larger than the area of the sea itself. More than 250 rivers, among which the biggest are Neva, Vistula and Oder, transport waste from inland areas to the sea. Coastal tourism, shipping and maritime activities add additional pressure. Finally, the Baltic Sea is relatively shallow and its ecosystem is also experiencing stress from eutrophication and global climate change.

Mapping of marine plastic debris distribution showed that the highest concentrations of floating plastic were found in the areas of the Northern Baltic Proper, the Archipelago Sea and the Gulf of Finland and the major pollution sources are Vistula, Oder and Neman rivers ^[5]. In turn, studies on microplastics show that these particles are heavily contaminating the Baltic Sea, as they are present throughout the entire ecosystem – from water (0,07 – 3 300 particles/m³) to seafloor sediments (0 – 10 179 particles/kg) and marine organisms. Most of them originate on land, transported to the sea by rivers, wastewater and urban runoff, although maritime activities also contribute ^[4].

How plastic affects (not only) marine life

Plastic pollution harms marine ecosystems in several ways. Entanglement is one of the most visible threats. Seabirds, fish and marine mammals can become trapped in discarded ropes, nets or plastic items, ex. single-use bags. Many animals also mistake plastics for food and swallow plastic pieces, which can block digestive systems or reduce the animal’s ability to absorb nutrients.  

Smaller particles (micro- and nanoplastics) are found throughout the marine food web as well. What is worth to emphasize, studies show that these tiny particles can also act as carriers of toxic substances within the ecosystem ^[7]. The smeller the particle, the smaller the organisms that can ingest them and associated toxins, which allows plastic to enter the marine food web at its earliest levels and to move up the food chain. Plastic debris can also act as a transport platform for microorganisms and invasive species, allowing them to travel long distances across the sea ^[8].

However, the threat does not only concern marine organisms. Plastic pollution, especially micro- and nanoplastics, is now so widespread that it can potentially affect humans as well, as enters our bodies through food, water, and air. Studies have found microplastics in human livers, reproductive organs, blood, hearts, and even brain (BALTIPLAST project).  Although current evidence does not yet confirm widespread health impacts, microplastics may harm health by causing inflammation, carrying toxic chemicals (such as endocrine disruptors), and transporting pathogens. Due to these potential risks and scientific uncertainty, a precautionary approach and reduction of plastic pollution are strongly recommended by the scientific community ^[3].

Waste from sailing boats

As mentioned, most marine litter in the Baltic Sea originates from land-based sources. However, recreational boating can also contribute to the total plastic load to the marine ecosystem.

A typical sailing trip generates a variety of waste, including:

• single-use food and beverage packaging,
• rope fragments,
• cleaning product and their containers,
• small equipment that accidentally falls overboard.

For sailors who value the sea as a place of exploration and recreation, reducing this impact is an important responsibility. Fortunately, there are many solutions which are simple and easy to implement on board, that contribute not only to preventing the problem from worsening, but can also to improve the condition of the sea.

Practical tips for sailors

1. Adopt a “nothing overboard” policy

All waste, including food scraps and cigarette butts, should be stored on board until it can be disposed of in port properly.

2. Reduce single-use plastics

Bring reusable water bottles, food containers and cutlery. Planning meals in advance can significantly reduce packaging waste.

3. Secure gear on deck

Loose equipment can easily fall into the water, especially in rough conditions. Make sure items such as buckets, ropes and tools are properly secured.

4. Choose eco-friendly products

Biodegradable cleaning products and cosmetics without microplastics help reduce pollution.

5. Use marina recycling facilities

Many Baltic marinas offer waste sorting and recycling facilities. Proper disposal ensures that materials can be properly processed.

6. Pick up litter when possible

If it is safe to do so, collecting floating debris during a trip can prevent it from harming wildlife and fragmenting into microplastics that cannot be removed from the environment.

7. Support clean-up initiatives and educate others

Caring for the environment begins with awareness – educate yourself and pay attention to the behavior of other sailors. Many sailing clubs and environmental organizations organize coastal clean-ups. These activities strengthen the sailing community while helping protect the marine environment.