Report: Ocean's plastic waste will outweigh fish by 2050

Updated
Report: Ocean's Plastic Waste Will Outweigh Fish By 2050
Report: Ocean's Plastic Waste Will Outweigh Fish By 2050

Fish may rule the oceans now, but, according to a World Economic Forum report released on Tuesday, that may not be the case for long.

In terms of weight, plastic waste is on pace to take over the world's massive bodies of water by 2050.

SEE ALSO: Father dedicates life to preventing heroin addiction after son's death

The projection hinges on a number of factors, including popularity, likely increased production, use habits, and trends in recycling.

Over the past 50 years, the making of plastic has increased 20 times over, and that rate is only expected to multiply in the coming decades.

Compounding the problem is that plastics, such as packaging, are often used for only a short time and not properly recycled.

Currently, only 5 percent of the material is effectively reprocessed, with a significant portion of the remainder ending up in landfills and oceans.

While some of it breaks up in the water, the toxins leak out and into the food chain.

Objects that don't fall apart pose dangers to marine life.

The report, which was compiled by the Ellen MacArthur Foundation and the World Economic Forum with information support from McKinsey & Company, says the plastics industry has failed to properly address the matter.

It suggests a more robust pursuit in developing cost-effective and eco-friendly alternatives and solutions.

More from AOL.com:
Man hands over heroin with money to McDonald's employee
Police fear gang-rape game 'taharrush' will spread across Europe
Mystery deepens around 'alien megastructure' star

Advertisement