Marine Plastic Pollution Flashcards
(9 cards)
How long has marine pollution been an area of concern?
At least 50 years
What is marine debris?
Any solid manufactured item that enters the marine environment
How much marine debris enters the ocean annually?
Roughly 6.5 million tons
How much of the debris comes from land based sources?
80%
What are the top ten items found as marine debris on clean ups?
Cigs, food wrappers, plastic bottles, plastic bags, lids, cups/plates/forks, straws, glass bottles, cans, paper bags
How big is the great pacific garbage patch?
Twice the size of Texas- 270,000 square miles
How much plastic does the great pacific carbage patch hold?
3 million tons or more
Who first noticed the great pacific garbage patch?
Captain Charles Moore in 1997
What is ghost fishing?
When lost gear continues to catch for years
