World Oceans Day, marked every year on 8 June, aims to remind people of the huge role our oceans play in everyday life. The seas are the lungs of our planet, providing most of the oxygen we breathe; and also its heart, the lifeblood of communities around the world.

Our oceans regulate the climate, feed millions of people every year and are home to an incredible array of wildlife.

This year's theme is Healthy Oceans, Healthy Planet, aiming to raise awareness of plastic pollution. Plastic is a serious threat because it degrades very slowly, polluting waterways for a very long time. In addition, plastic pollution impacts the health of aquatic animals because animals, including zooplankton, mistake the microbeads used in beauty products for food. Marine turtles often eat plastic bags, mistaking them for jellyfish.

A World Economic Forum report, released January 2016, estimates the oceans currently hold more than 150 million tons of plastics and warns that they will contain more plastics than fish by 2050. You can help reduce our impact on the oceans by refusing plastic bags and water bottles, and choosing cosmetics that are free of microbeads.

To mark World Oceans Day 2016, IBTimes UK presents photos of marine pollution – plastic and industrial – around the world.