Global Ocean Pollution Index

The world's oceans
are running out of time

30 water bodies. 6 datasets. One index that shows how polluted they are today — and where they're headed by 2100.

Explore the map → How it works
30
Water bodies
22K+
Measurements
6
Data sources
2100
Forecast horizon
↓ scroll
Key Findings

What the data reveals

A few of the most striking results from the index — explore the full dashboard to see all 30 regions.

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Great Lakes top the index
With some of the highest recorded microplastic particle densities anywhere on Earth — up to 1.2 million particles/km² — the Great Lakes score higher than any ocean basin.
Score: 40.7 / 100
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Indian Ocean under pressure
208 million people live within 10km of the Indian Ocean's shores. Combined with 163,000 tonnes of river plastic input per year, it faces the heaviest human pressure of any ocean.
Score: 37.9 / 100
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All regions go Critical by 2100
Under current growth trends, every single water body in the index crosses into Critical territory by 2100. Some exceed the scale entirely — a trajectory, not a prediction.
2100: Critical
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South China Sea accelerating
With 1,198 items/m³ mean microplastic concentration and massive river input from the Mekong and Pearl Rivers, the South China Sea is the fastest-deteriorating major sea.
Score: 39.3 / 100
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Arctic still low — for now
The Arctic scores low today, but is receiving increasing microplastic transport via ocean currents from the North Atlantic and Pacific. It's a future hotspot in the making.
Score: 4.8 / 100
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Ocean acidification is real
pH readings from Copernicus satellite data show measurable acidification across all major basins. The North Pacific records the lowest mean pH of any ocean — 8.024 and falling.
pH: 8.024
The Dashboard
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LEAGUE TABLE — 2026 · 2050 · 2100
Interactive world map · Click any region for full breakdown

An interactive window into ocean health

The dashboard puts every data point on a dark-mode world map. Toggle between 2026, 2050, and 2100 to see how the picture changes — and click any circle to see the full factor breakdown for that region.

  • Colour-coded circles by pollution severity
  • 2026 / 2050 / 2100 year toggle
  • Click any region for microplastics, pH, port pressure, population
  • Forecast chart for the 5 most polluted regions
  • League table with all 30 regions ranked
Open dashboard →
Indian Ocean Forecast

Where is it headed?

If current plastic production and population growth trends continue, here's what the Indian Ocean's pollution index looks like over the coming decades.

2026
37.9
Moderate
2030
42.6
Moderate
2050
77.1
Critical
2100
338
Critical ×3

See forecasts for all 30 regions on the dashboard →