Vast Oceans and Lack of Visibility of Plastic Debris

The threat and impacts of marine debris have long been ignored. Perhaps it is the perceived vastness of ocean and lack of visibility of marine debris to most people that has allowed society to dismiss the problem as a serious threat. However, recent research demonstrates that quantities and impacts of marine debris are significant and increasing. The Algalita Marine Research Foundation’s investigation of plastic in the North Pacific Central Gyre of the Pacific Ocean showed that the mass of plastic pieces was six times greater than zooplankton floating on the water’s surface. This study is one of many that demonstrate that our oceans have become the virtual garbage can for the developed and developing world.(1)

Most of the marine debris in the world is comprised of plastic materials. The average proportion varies between 60 to 80% of total marine debris.(2) In many regions, plastic materials constitute as much as 90 to 95% of the total amount of marine debris.(3)