Researchers at NOAA/NESDIS CoastWatch program, Hawaii
Regional Node and the National Marine Fisheries Service, Honolulu
Laboratory are investigating the potential of TOPEX/Poseidon and
other remotely sensed data in identifying marine debris.
Marine debris, floating and partially submerged material
consisting of nets, timber, ship debris is increasing with
human population and increasing contact with the sea. This
material collects in locations based on wind and currents.
Marine debris is capable of physically destroying coral.
Another problem is entanglement of marine mammals.
Rusty Brainard, David G. Foley and R. Michael Laurs are working on this topic
and it is likely that they will develop a means to identify
environmental hazard zones of marine debris. You can learn more
about their initial work.
