The marine animals will die if plastic debris is afloat in the area of the ocean where marine life exists.
Generally considered no more than an aesthetic eyesore, waste plastic is a lethal marine pollutant.In Chemistry of the Environment, published by Academic Press in 2002, the author Ronald Bailey argues that, "The principal concern associated with plastic materials scattered on land is one of aesthetics, not toxicity or harm to ecosystems. Plastic articles dumped in oceans are not aesthetically pleasing when they wash up on beaches, but of even greater importance is their danger to marine life."In the October 2008 edition of the journal Environmental Research, an article, "Synthetic Polymers in the Marine Environment" by Charles Moore claims, "In the deep ocean, large high-pressure systems known as gyres tend to accrete the debris. In the largest gyre, located in the central North Pacific, neuston trawls lined with 0.333mm mesh yielded the astounding figure of six kilos of plastic fragments for every kilo of zooplankton 40.333mm in size."The UN Environmental Programme, in its 2005 publication, Marine Litter, claims, "Furthermore, it has been estimated that over 13,000 pieces of plastic litter are floating on every square kilometre of ocean today."Michelle Allsop highlights the danger of waste plastic to marine animals in Plastic Debris in the World's Oceans, published by Greenpeace in November 2006 when she states, "Ingestion of marine debris is known to particularly affect sea turtles and seabirds but is also a problem for marine mammals and fish. Ingestion is generally thought to occur because the marine debris is mistaken for prey. Most of that erroneously ingested is plastic."
The plastic sea refers to the vast amounts of plastic pollution that has accumulated in the world's oceans. This pollution poses serious threats to marine life, ecosystems, and human health. Efforts to reduce plastic waste and clean up existing debris are crucial in order to protect our oceans.
marine debris is trash in the ocean
Curt Ebbesmeyer tracks trash, particularly marine debris, to study ocean currents and their impact on the environment. By analyzing the distribution of floating debris, he gains insights into ocean patterns, which can inform research on pollution, marine ecosystems, and the movement of hazardous materials. His work highlights the interconnectedness of human activities and ocean health, raising awareness about the importance of reducing plastic waste.
humans, sharks, diseases, and marine debris such as lost fishing nets and plastic products
Marine Debris kills the environment by polluting. Marine debris can kill marine life and it makes the area dirty and nasty.
The Great Pacific Garbage Patch formed due to ocean currents collecting and concentrating marine debris, primarily plastics, in the North Pacific Ocean. The patch is not an island but rather a vast area with high concentrations of floating trash, posing significant environmental threats to marine life.
The most common type of debris that litters our oceans is plastic, accounting for a significant portion of marine pollution. This includes items like plastic bags, bottles, and microplastics, which can harm marine life and ecosystems. Other common debris includes fishing gear, metal, and glass, but plastics persist due to their durability and widespread use. Efforts to clean up and reduce plastic waste are crucial for protecting ocean health.
Plastic bags kill the marine creatures that eat them. -apex
Plastic is detrimental to the sea because it pollutes marine environments, harming wildlife and ecosystems. Marine animals often ingest plastic debris or become entangled, leading to injury or death. Additionally, plastics can break down into microplastics, which contaminate the food chain and pose health risks to both marine life and humans. The accumulation of plastic waste also disrupts natural habitats and contributes to the degradation of oceanic ecosystems.
Jeannie Faris has written: 'Seas of debris' -- subject(s): Marine debris, Marine pollution
Plastic. Plastic will usually float. There are vast areas in the "doldrums" of the oceans where millions of tons of plastic bottles, fishing nets and other plastic garbage are floating. These areas of ocean are called 'gyres' where the currents move around in one gigantic but slow-moving whirlpool. The largest is called the Great Pacific Garbage Patch, and is found in the North Pacific Gyre. The plastic gradually breaks down into tiny pellets, which are swallowed by whales and other marine life as they resemble plankton. See the link below.