Marine Debris Threatens Ocean Waters

Plastic Pollution Poses Big Risk to Wildlife

Greenpeace International has released a report titled Plastic Debris in the World's Oceans detailing sources for marine debris, its harmful effects on wildlife, an estimate of the problem's scope, and potential solutions for resolving the plastic pollution threat.

Synthetic materials and plastic are the most common types of marine debris. Plastic doesn't readily degrade. Through weathering and mechanical action, plastic is broken into small particles that marine wildlife easily ingest.

The report compiles results of research papers released between 1990 and 2005 and offers suggestions about how to reduce the threat posed by plastics in the marine environment.

Plastic Pollution Sources - 80% of marine debris originates from land based sources:

• debris left by beach goers and coastal users
• storm and sanitary sewage discharge into coastal waters
• commercial fishing gear and equipment lost or dumped at sea
• shipboard waste and garbage thrown into the ocean

Harmful Effects of Marine Debris on Wildlife:

• entanglement in lost fishing nets, traps, and monofilament fishing line
• ingestion of plastic particles and debris
• plastic debris attracts invasive species by providing a floating raft for their movement in ocean currents

Scope of the Pollution Problem:

• Marine debris is commonplace throughout the world's beaches and oceans.
• Higher levels of pollution have been measured in the mid-latitudes, around fishing areas, and along shipping lanes.
• Studies have shown an average of less than 10 floating debris items per square kilometer, with high values in areas like the English Channel and Indonesia.
• The North Pacific Gyre, a known current convergence zone, has been found to have floating marine debris items reaching a million items per square kilometer.

Solutions and Prevention

• Increase enforcement of international treaties, especially Annex V of the International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships (MARPOL).
• Support ongoing shoreline cleanup and public education programs.
• Implement Zero Waste plans that include the components of waste reduction, reuse, and recycling.

Learn more about this issue by visiting the Greenpeace International website entitled Disposable Oceans and read the article "Marine Plastic Pollution."