As for the non-accidental contribution of oil to the ocean, hundreds of millions of oil quietly end up in the ocean each year. Another way that oil gets into our oceans is by us. Humans generally empty oil, such as car oil, down their drains. .
Sadly, all over the world toxic wastes are being emptied into our oceans. These wastes settle into the sea floor sediments where they accumulate to hazards to organisms that live in and feed on the bottom muds (Cornish). Eventually, these long lasting chemicals make their way into the food web and contaminate not only the fish that we eat, but the fish and plants that other animals, such as whales, eat. Toxins that make their way into the oceans include Mercury, Dioxin, PCB's, PAH's, and radioactivity. Industrial, agricultural, household cleaning, gardening, and automotive products regularly end up in water. About 65,000 chemicals are used commercially in the U.S. today, with about 1,000 new ones added each year (Gradwohl). .
Around the world, untreated sewage flows into coastal waters, carrying organic wastes and nutrients that can lead to disease-causing bacteria and parasites. This contaminants cause diseases in marine wildlife and particularly have been associated with disorders to their reproductive and immune systems, and the transfer of diseases between humans and whales marine life. .
Our trash kills. When odds and ends that we use on land, end up in the sea, they pose hazards to marine life (Cornish). Animals often will eat garbage that is dumped into the ocean, because they mistake it for other animals or plants. Drifting nets entangle birds, fish, and mammals making it hard or impossible for them to move or find food, often taking their lives. Everyday products, such as plastic bottles, balloons, pieces of rope etc, all contribute to the deaths of whales. Plastics are much more hazardous to marine wildlife than anything else because they are not biodegradable.
