Turning the Tide: How Technology is Cleaning Up Our Oceans

Since I was a child, I have been passionate about marine biology and dreamed of making the ocean a cleaner and safer place for marine life. I would spend weeks creating my own little marine ecosystems with fish tanks, meticulously researching the best plants for each fish I cared for and arranging rocks to recreate the ocean’s natural beauty and balance. I was mesmerized by the way life thrived within them—the gentle swaying of aquatic plants, the way fish darted between hiding spots, and the delicate balance of the ecosystem I have created and maintained. 

The fascination only grew as I got older and began to think about careers for the future. I could only imagine myself diving into the deep blue, rescuing sea turtles entangled in plastic, and helping restore coral reefs suffocated by pollution. But as I grew older, I realized that technological advancements were rapidly transforming marine conservation—making human intervention in some areas less necessary. At first, this realization was disheartening; it felt as though the future I had envisioned for myself was slipping away. However, as I learned more about these cutting-edge technologies, I became grateful rather than discouraged. Although they may have slowly squashed my dreams, I have never been happier to witness the advancements that are actively making a difference. The ocean needs all the help it can get, and these autonomous drones, robotic skimmers, and AI-powered cleanup systems are leading a revolution in ocean conservation. The more I learned about them, the more I realized that while my place in traditional marine biology may be shifting, my passion for protecting the ocean has never been stronger.

But just how bad is the plastic crisis in our oceans? And how are these technologies making a real difference?

The ocean covers more than 70% of the Earth’s surface, yet it is drowning in plastic. Plastic pollution in our oceans is one of the most pressing environmental issues of our time. With over 400 million metric tons of plastic produced each year; as heavy as all humans on Earth combined, a significant portion eventually makes its way into our oceans, wreaking havoc on marine ecosystems and ultimately our own ecosystem as we know it. While only a fraction of global plastic waste ends up in the ocean, it is enough to cause severe damage to marine life, coastal communities, and the overall health of the planet.

Every year, an estimated 8 million tons of plastic enter the ocean (Understanding the Ocean Plastic Crisis). This pollution originates from a variety of sources, including industrial waste, littering, and mismanaged plastic disposal. Once in the ocean, plastic waste persists for decades, breaking down into tiny microplastics that infiltrate marine food chains and even end up in the seafood we consume.

One of the most shocking examples of plastic accumulation is the Great Pacific Garbage Patch, a massive floating island of plastic debris located between Hawaii and California. This garbage patch is estimated to contain 1.8 trillion pieces of plastic and covers an area of 1.6 million square kilometers—twice the size of Texas (The Ocean Cleanup). The sheer scale of this environmental disaster highlights the urgent need for cleanup efforts to prevent further destruction of marine habitats.

A Future Where Plastic Outnumbers Fish?

The consequences of plastic pollution on marine life are more severe than they have ever been and will only continue to get worse. Over 100,000 marine animals die each year due to plastic ingestion or entanglement. These deaths include seabirds, whales, dolphins, sea turtles, and fish, all of which mistake plastic for food or become trapped in floating debris. Studies show that 914 megafaunal species are directly harmed by plastic pollution, and over 100 species are now endangered as a result of plastic contamination. For example, sea turtles often mistake plastic bags for jellyfish, leading to internal blockages, malnutrition, and death. Similarly, whales have been found washed up on shores with stomachs full of plastic, unable to digest the synthetic material. In some regions, coastal communities in New Zealand and around the world have observed firsthand the devastating effects of plastic pollution on local wildlife, reinforcing the need for innovative ocean cleanup initiatives.

Light brown sea turtle entangled in green fishing nets.

Recent studies indicate that by 2050, the ocean could contain more plastic than fish, a staggering prediction that highlights the need for immediate action. As global plastic production is set to double by 2040, without intervention, the impact on marine ecosystems will only worsen.

The Great Pacific Garbage Patch alone contains 180 times more plastic than marine life, emphasizing the disproportionate scale of pollution versus natural biodiversity. Furthermore, 22% of global plastic waste is either not collected, improperly disposed of, or ends up as litter, significantly contributing to ocean plastic emissions.

Recent studies indicate that by 2050, the ocean could contain more plastic than fish, a staggering prediction that highlights the need for immediate action. As global plastic production is set to double by 2040, without intervention, the impact on marine ecosystems will only worsen.

The Great Pacific Garbage Patch alone contains 180 times more plastic than marine life, emphasizing the disproportionate scale of pollution versus natural biodiversity. Furthermore, 22% of global plastic waste is either not collected, improperly disposed of, or ends up as litter, significantly contributing to ocean plastic emissions.

Technological Advancements

Despite the grim outlook, there is hope. Cutting-edge cleanup technologies such as ocean drones, robotic skimmers, and AI-powered waste collection systems are being deployed to tackle this crisis. These high-tech solutions reduce the reliance on manual labor and increase the speed at which debris can be collected, making large-scale cleanup operations more efficient and feasible. Autonomous drones serve as only one of the various technologies that contribute to targeted and effective cleanup efforts. These AI-driven devices are equipped with advanced sensors and imaging technology, allowing them to navigate vast marine environments autonomously. By utilizing GPS and machine learning algorithms, drones can identify areas with high concentrations of plastic waste. Because they operate without human intervention, they increase efficiency and reduce the risks associated with manual cleanup methods.

Several international efforts have successfully demonstrated the effectiveness of autonomous drones in marine conservation. For instance, The Ocean Cleanup project has successfully deployed drones in various regions, significantly reducing plastic pollution in the Great Pacific Garbage Patch. These drones have already collected thousands of kilograms of plastic waste, and strive to remove at least half of the plastic in the Great Pacific Garbage Patch within 5 years. 

WasteShark drone collecting trash debris in the ocean.

In addition to The Ocean Cleanup project, RanMarine has created another drone also know as the WasteShark is an aquatic drone designed to collect waste from rivers, harbors, and canals. Capable of holding 160 liters of materials, it autonomously navigates waterways, gathering floating debris. This drone is equipped with LiDAR technology to ensure safe navigation and avoid obstacles. These technologies represent a powerful combination of drones and AI working together to reduce plastic pollution in our oceans.

But drones don’t stop there. They have been integrated into waste management and recycling efforts, improving efficiency and safety. For example, drones are used for site mapping, helping scrap yards and landfills to manage waste, identify metal types, and even monitor methane emissions. By navigating hazardous or difficult-to-reach areas, drones minimize the risk to human workers while improving overall effectiveness.

In New Zealand, the use of autonomous drones for ocean cleanup could be transformative. With its extensive coastline and rich marine biodiversity, the country is an ideal location for deploying advanced drone technologies. Local environmental organizations are exploring partnerships to integrate drone technology into their marine conservation efforts. These drones could help monitor pollution levels, track plastic movement, and enhance cleanup operations, ultimately protecting New Zealand’s unique marine ecosystems. Furthermore, local research institutions could collaborate on developing drone technology tailored to New Zealand’s specific environmental challenges. These partnerships could lead to even more innovative solutions, helping not only address plastic pollution but also contribute to the broader goals of sustainability and marine conservation.

In addition to autonomous drones and robotic waste collectors, floating barriers have emerged as a crucial tool in large-scale ocean cleanup efforts. These U-shaped structures are strategically deployed in the ocean to capture and concentrate plastic debris, making it easier for cleanup crews to remove waste efficiently. Instead of relying on constant human intervention, floating barriers work with natural ocean currents, directing plastic toward a central collection point where it can be extracted.

Ocean Project's robotic barge also known as The Interceptor collecting trash in the ocean.

One of the most successful examples of this technology is The Interceptor created by The Ocean Project. The Interceptor is a high-tech cleanup innovation. This fully autonomous robotic barge is designed to remove plastic from rivers—where 80% of ocean plastic originates. By using a conveyor belt system, it extracts up to 50,000 kg (110,000 lbs) of plastic per day before the waste reaches the ocean. The Interceptor has been successfully deployed in Indonesia, Malaysia, the Dominican Republic, and Vietnam, reducing pollution in key waterways which has demonstrated remarkable effectiveness in removing plastic from the ocean. Unlike traditional passive barriers, this system uses an active propulsion system to move slowly, allowing it to adapt to shifting ocean currents and maximize waste collection.

The results speak for themselves;

• Over 15 million kg of plastic has been removed as of July 2023.

• 8 million kg of trash has been extracted from the Great Pacific Garbage Patch.

• Record-breaking collection of 11,353 kg of plastic in a single cleanup in August of 2023.

These floating barriers represent a major breakthrough in plastic waste management, preventing further harm to marine ecosystems. As technology continues to advance, expanding the use of floating barriers will bring us closer and closer to achieving cleaner, healthier oceans for future generations. 

NEED for Action

Plastic pollution in the ocean is a global crisis that requires urgent action. While cleanup technologies and innovative solutions are making progress, reducing plastic waste at the source is just as critical. The responsibility falls not only on governments and organizations but also on 🫵YOU🫵 to reduce plastic consumption, improve waste management, and support sustainable initiatives.

If significant action is not taken soon, the world’s oceans—home to millions of species and vital ecosystems—may become overwhelmed by plastic, leaving irreversible damage for future generations. The time to act is now. 

Written by Yuhki Saleff