Marine Debris

It affects everything from the economy to giant blue whales. We know it is a problem, yet there is much we can still learn about this situation. Let’s take a look at the sources, causes and effects, and possible solutions of marine debris.

Marine debris can be defined as “any manufactured or processed solid waste material that enters the marine environment from any source” (Ten Things). Usually, we just call it litter. But, where does this litter come from? All marine debris comes from man-made waste. Most of this makes its way into our waterways from land, while 20% comes from ocean-based sources, such as fishing vessels and cargo ships (Problem). Once this waste enters the ocean it moves from currents and wind. It does not stay put, and it is usually carried far from its origin, which makes it difficult to determine where this waste comes from. Not only is it difficult to locate because of relocation, but this debris comes in many different forms, ranging from small plastic cigarette buds to 4,000-pound fishing nets (Ten Things). Plastic, rubber, Styrofoam, glass, metal, rope; the list is innumerable. The most known of all these, is plastic. “Plastic marine debris affects at least 267 species worldwide; 86 percent of all sea turtles, 44 percent of all sea bird species, and 43 percent of marine mammal species” (Problem). Other than plastic, these are just a few things that marine animals might mistake as food and ingest. On top of that, we can accidentally eat marine animals that have ingested this waste, causing us to get sick. Marine animals might even become entangled and can lead to suffocation, starvation, drowning, increased vulnerability to predators, or other injuries (Impacts).

As the human population grows rapidly...

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...ng to associations like NOAA so they can do something about this problem.

While people know little about marine debris, it continues to progress and affect a substantial part of our environment and economy. Lending a helping hand will not be easy, unless you learn more about this situation. Creating less waste, picking up litter, recycling, reusing, disposing trash everywhere; let’s lend the hand, and make the world a cleaner and safer place by eliminating marine debris once and for all.

Works Cited

“Marine Debris Impacts.” Water.epa.gov. (n.p.), n.d.). Web. 17, Apr., 2014.

Singh, Neha. “What is Marine Debris?” marineinsight.com. (n.p.), 13, Apr., 2011. Web. 11, Apr., 2014.

“Ten Things You Should Know About Marine Debris.” NOAA.gov. (n.p), (n.d.). Web. 10, Apr., 2014.

“The Problem with Marine Debris.” www.coastal.ca.gov. (n.p.), (n.d.). Web. 15, Apr., 2014.