Today I Learned… About Marine Litter

Anthropogenic litter is present in all marine habitats, from beaches to the most remote points in the oceans. On the seafloor, marine litter, particularly plastic, can accumulate in high densities with deleterious consequences for its inhabitants. The highest litter density occurs in submarine canyons, whilst the lowest density can be found on continental shelves and on ocean ridges. Plastic was the most prevalent litter item found on the seafloor. Litter from fishing activities (derelict fishing lines and nets) was particularly common on seamounts, banks, mounds and ocean ridges. Our results highlight the extent of the problem and the need for action to prevent increasing accumulation of litter in marine environments.

http://www.plosone.org/article/info%3Adoi%2F10.1371%2Fjournal.pone.0095839

This is a subject close to my heart. Nearly every part of the ocean bottom is infested with garbage, as are our beaches and the surface of the ocean. Time to wake up and realize the effect we’re having on the ocean before it’s too late.