Ever since the introduction of plastics into our world, we have become a throwaway society bent on convenience with a propensity toward carelessness. All plastic that has ever been produced is still with us in some form. Proper disposal is extremely important, as less than 5% of plastic is recycled.
Marine debris is trash (typically plastic) that somehow ends up floating in the ocean, where it spreads toxins and kills marine life. Most of this debris is man-made and slow to degrade, such as cigarette butts, soda cans, plastic bags, and fishing gear. We are [(un)intentionally] turning the oceans into dumping grounds.
This marine rubbish is having a devastating effect on marine species worldwide. Birds and marine mammals either ingest it (mostly plastic caps and bits mistaken for food) or become entangled in lost fishing nets, plastic rings and other debris. Ingested plastic either blocks the digestive track (the fish or animal starves) or is unwittingly passed to the young.
Lost or discarded fishing nets keep on fishing. Nets and traps that have been abandoned or discarded continue to ensnare marine life, which eventually starve or suffocate. What a waste!
The largest concentration of marine debris is the Great Pacific Garbage Patch. You can find many videos of this phenomenon on YouTube. Also look for a video from the NOAA Marine Debris Program that shows exactly what marine debris is, how it affects the ocean, and why it's important that everyone do their part to get rid of it.
Marine debris is a worldwide problem that will take all of us laboring together to solve. Everyone benefits when we all work toward sustainable, healthy oceans.
Kimberly C. Smith is an aspiring writer with a different perspective. Visit http://www.HealthAndWealthCommunity.com/ to browse a variety of interesting topics. Join this growing community FREE by clicking http://www.healthandwealthcommunity.com/register.html
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