Marine Debris

What is Marine Debris?

Marine Debris_updated

Marine debris is the term for any manufactured item that ends up as trash in our ocean, lakes, or inland waterways, More than an eyesore, trash in the ocean is one of the world's pervasive problem. It sickens and kills thousands of marine animals and birds. It is also undermines economies based on tourism and fisheries. All kinds of trash, from cigarette butts and fishing line to tires and large household appliances, accumulate on beaches and beneath the water surface. All of it shares a common origin. At a critical point decision point, someone, somewhere mishandled it, either thoughtlessly or deliberately. Where does all the trash in the ocean originate? Knowing the answer to this question leads to better management plans and policies to stop it at the source. During International Coastal Cleanup day, not only do we pick up trash but also record information about it using the Ocean Trash Data Form.


Marine Debris Sources

Marine debris is generally categorized into two major sources:

  1. Land-based. Land-based debris can reach the sea through storm drain systems, rivers and waterways. Debris enters the water from various sources: trash and waste from recreational beach goers and fishers, processors and transporters, material manufacturers, land-based solid waste disposal and processing facilities, illegal or inappropriate dumping and littering. Sewer overflows, malfunctioning sewage treatment plants, and storm-water runoff also send debris into creeks, rivers, and eventually, the ocean. You might assume that most marine debris comes from marine activities, like boating. Studies show that an estimated 60- 80% starts out on land.

  2. Ocean-based. Municipal and commercial fishing vessels, recreational boats and cruise ships, merchant and military vessels and offshore platforms and their supply vessels are the primary water-based debris.


New Debris/Trash Classification

The following are the new group classifications of debris items listed in the Ocean Trash Data Form that can be found on land, waterways and seas, above and below:

  1. Most Likely to Find. These are trash items that appeared on the Cleanup’s 35-year cumulative top ten list, which highlighted the most abundant items of trash collected during the Cleanup since 1986. They include Food Wrappers, Food Containers (Plastic, Foam), Beverage bottles (glass, plastic), Beverage cans, Beverage sachets/pouches, Straws/Stirrers, Beverage Bottles (Plastic), Grocery Bags (Plastic), Other Plastic Bags, Cups & plates (paper, plastic, foam), Bottle caps (metal, plastic), Lids (plastic) and Cigarette butts, among others.

  2. Fishing and Boating. Debris from recreational fishing and boating, municipal and commercial fishing, cargo, military and cruise ships, and offshore industries, like oil drilling. They include Buoys, Pots & Traps, Fishing Net & Pieces, Rope, and Fishing Line.

  3. Illegal Dumping. Debris from construction, household electric appliances/devices and automotive parts, such as, paint cans, scrap wood, television, refrigerators, toilet bowls and tires.

  4. Packaging Materials. Debris from various sources of people's activities which find their way into the sea. They include 6 - Pack Holders, Other Plastic/Foam Packaging, Other Plastic Bottles (oil, bleach, etc.), Sachets/Pouches and Strapping Bands.

  5. Personal Hygiene. Materials discarded into the sewer systems, toilets, waterways or open areas. This category includes diapers, condoms, sanitary napkins and syringes and PPEs (masks, gloves).

  6. Other Item/Debris. They include items that are abundant such as, Tobacco products (lighters, cigarette tips (plastic), wrap), Balloons, Footwear, Clothing, Toys and other waste materials (metal, paper & plastic), among others.

  7. Tiny Trash. These are called macro debris which is less 2.5cm in size and include Foam Pieces and Plastic Pieces. At present, in-depth studies on their occurrence and movement in the oceans, direct impacts on marine organisms and interactions with persistent organic pollutants (POPs) are being undertaken by marine debris experts.

  8. Most Unusual Item Collected. Debris that are unique, peculiar or unexpected to be found in the cleanup, such as, trophy, eye glasses, umbrella, wallet, etc.