Marine debris

Marine debris is human-created waste that has deliberately or accidentally been released in a sea or ocean. Floating oceanic debris tends to accumulate at the center of gyres and on coastlines, frequently washing aground, when it is known as beach litter or tidewrack.

Origin

Marine debris is mainly discarded human rubbish which floats on, or is suspended in the ocean. Eighty percent of marine debris is plastic. Researchers classify debris as either land- or ocean-based. In the 1990s, the United Nations identified five major sources of land-based debris: public beaches and recreational activities; rivers and floodwaters; industrial outfalls; ships and boats; and offshore platforms.

Impact

Marine debris harms the environment, economy, and human health and safety. The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) lists marine debris as one of the main threats to the world's oceans. It can harm marine life and ecosystems, interfere with human uses of the marine environment, and become a hazard to navigation.

Mitigation

Efforts to prevent and reduce marine debris are underway on global, national, and local levels. These include legislation and policy, direct action such as beach cleanups, changes in product design and manufacturing, and education and outreach.

See also

• Great Pacific garbage patch
• Ocean gyre
• Plastic pollution
• Ghost net