Marine Debris

Marine Debris is simply trash that has found its way into the marine environment (beaches, waters, mangrove areas or underwater reefs and seagrass beds).  Marine debris can be found in all the world's oceans, but the problem doesn't necessarily start there.  About 80% of the debris found on our beaches and in our waters is blown, washed or dumped from land-based sources.  Common land-based sources include people hosting picnics at the beach, poorly-maintained garbage trucks, garbage bins and dumps, and litterbugs.  Marine debris is a serious problem not only for animals, but for people too.  Marine organisms and people can become entangled in or injured by marine debris.  Boat propellers can tangle up in debris,  requiring expensive repairs.  And many marine animals actually eat marine debris by mistake.