What is Marine Debris

Marine debris is any:

  • Wood
  • Metal
  • Glass
  • Rubber
  • Plastic
  • Cloth
  • Paper
  • Any Other material that is lost or discarded in the Marine Environment

Marine debris may be intentionally dumped, accidentally dropped, or indirectly deposited (carried via waterway discharge from onshore). Whatever the origin, marine debris is a direct result of human activities on land and at sea.  At work and recreation, we all need to do our part not to contribute to the problem.

photo courtesy of NOAA

Depending upon its makeup, marine debris may sink to the seafloor, drift in the water column, or float on the surface. Certain debris, such as plastics, or glass can persist in the marine environment for hundreds of years. The effect on the visual or ecological environment is significant..

en_USEnglish
es_MXSpanish tr_TRTurkish en_USEnglish