Not only is plastic durable, it is also usually light—perfect for getting caught in the wind or swept along with an ocean current and traveling long distances. Some plastics have been recorded traveling thousands of miles from their source.

Plastics are the most common form of marine debris. They can come from a variety of land and ocean-based sources; enter the water in many ways; and impact the ocean and Great Lakes. Once in the water, plastic debris never fully biodegrades.

May 9, 2022 · Plastic waste makes up 80% of all marine pollution and around 8 to 10 million metric tons of plastic end up in the ocean each year. Research states that, by 2050, plastic will likely outweigh all fish in the sea.

Marine plastic pollution is a type of marine pollution by plastics, ranging in size from large original material such as bottles and bags, down to microplastics formed from the fragmentation of plastic material.

6 days ago · Plastic items are the most common type of marine debris in our ocean, waterways, and Great Lakes. Plastic is used to create items that are part of our everyday lives, including toys, food storage, and even medical supplies.

Mar 4, 2025 · Combating plastic pollution including in the marine environment is imperative to safeguard ecosystems from irreversible damage and to preserve biodiversity. It also prevents the proliferation of microplastics through the food chain, protecting human health.

Feb 17, 2025 · Plastic poses a serious threat to our oceans and waterways. Birds, turtles, fish, and other marine life ingest plastic pieces, mistaking them for fish eggs, plankton, jellyfish, or other food sources.

Microplastics in the ocean are small plastic particles contaminating oceans and harming marine life. Learn about their sources, effects, and environmental impact.

3 days ago · It impacts more than 700 marine species, many of which ingest or become entangled in synthetic debris. SeaSweepers, led by founder and CEO Naveen Sydney, is addressing this crisis with a circular model built from the sea up, powered by AI, blockchain, and modular recycling systems engineered specifically for marine plastics.

Mar 9, 2025 · Plastic pollution can also alter marine habitats, affecting the distribution and abundance of marine life. Coral Reefs and Plastic. Coral reefs are particularly vulnerable to the impacts of plastic pollution. Plastic can smother corals, blocking sunlight and hindering their ability to photosynthesize. It can also create abrasions that make ...