Marine debris is more than an eyesore

Marine debris is defined as any persistent solid material that is manufactured or processed and directly or indirectly, intentionally or unintentionally, disposed of or abandoned into the marine environment or the Great Lakes.

Marine debris injures and kills marine life, interferes with navigation safety, and poses a threat to human health. Our oceans and waterways are polluted with a wide variety of marine debris ranging from soda cans and plastic bags, to derelict fishing gear and abandoned vessels.

Today, there is no place on earth immune to this problem. A majority of the trash and debris that covers our beaches comes from storm drains and sewers, as well as from shoreline and recreational activities such as picnicking and beachgoing. Abandoned or discarded fishing gear is also a major problem because this trash can can entangle, injure, maim and drown marine wildlife and damage property.

With marine debris, pictures speak louder than words.

For more information:
NOAA Marine Debris Program
Coastal Management & Marine Debris, Office of Ocean & Coastal Resource Management