The following will give you the
basics about the problem of marine debris, which may be out of sight for humans
but remains a persistent problem for marine life.
What is Marine Debris?
Marine debris is trash or other
solid material, which enters oceans and often washes up on beaches.
Ten years of beach cleanup data indicates that
60 to 80 percent of marine debris comes from land-based sources.
- Storm drains: When it rains, trash left on the sidewalks and streets is washed into storm drains, which is then carried to the nearest waterway, and eventually flows into the ocean
- Beachgoers: Trash is often blown away by the wind or left behind on the beach.
- Ocean-users: Recreational and commercial fishermen may lose or discard fishing materials or debris overboard into the ocean.
What
problems does it cause for people?
- Beachgoers can cut themselves on glass, metal or sharp plastic left behind on the beach.
- Marine debris can also impact the safety or livelihood of commercial and recreational fishermen.
- Debris left on the beach is an eyesore, turning our beautiful beaches and waterways into landfills!