MARINE DEBRIS - Marine Pollution: What Everyone Needs to Know - page 41

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MARINE DEBRIS
Why is marine debris so abundant?
Marine debris is any solid manufactured item that enters the
marine environment, including cigarette butts, fishing line,
diapers, bottles and cans, syringes, and tires. It is a pervasive
pollution problem that has been made worse by the increas-
ing use of plastics, which are the most common constituent
of the debris. The UN estimated that 6.5 million tons reaches
the ocean yearly—roughly 17,000 tons every day. Over 4.5 tril-
lion cigarette butts are discarded annually and are not only
unsightly, their constituents (e.g., nicotine) are toxic to marine
life. Plastic debris in the oceans is now so common that
even very remote beaches have plastics washed up on them.
Depending on the weight and size, marine debris may float,
but most of the litter sinks to the seabed.
Where does marine debris come from?
Land-based sources are responsible for 80% of marine debris,
after being blown into the water or coming from creeks or riv-
ers or storm drains. Sources include sewer overflows, solid
waste (landfills), and litter from streets. Improper control of
solid waste in many countries is responsible for much of the
debris, which may enter the water directly or indirectly. Other
debris comes from ships, recreational boats, offshore drilling
rigs, and fishing piers. Materials can be dumped, swept, or
blown off vessels and platforms, or can result from littering,