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Marine debris is a problem in oceans, coasts and watersheds throughout the world. Marine debris is any persistent solid material that is directly or indirectly disposed of or abandoned into the aquatic environment. It can result from human activities anywhere in the watershed, from an overturned trash can many miles from the ocean, or from litter left on a beach. Objects such as detergent bottles, plastic bags, cigarette butts, hazardous medical wastes and discarded fishing line are all materials that can become marine debris.
EPA’s marine pollution control, solid waste treatment and control, wastewater management, and pollution prevention programs work to address the sources, movement and impacts of marine debris. Specific laws and regulations provide EPA with the statutory authority to prevent, control and reduce sources and movement of pollution that may become marine debris.
Additional Marine Debris Information
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Fact Sheet: Marine Debris
Volunteer for International Coastal Cleanup
National Marine Debris Monitoring Program Report
Interagency Marine Debris Coordinating Committee Report to Congress
Assessing and Monitoring Floatable Debris
Plastic Pellets in the Marine Environment
Kids' Letters about Marine Debris
Turning the Tide on Trash: Marine Debris Curriculum
Plastic Wastes Recycled from Naval Vessels
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