Learn how littering and the improper disposal of waste put trash in the oceans
Learn where marine debrisâtrash in the oceanâcomes from.
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration/Department of Commerce
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National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration/Department of CommerceLearn how to prevent litter from ending up in the ocean.
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Transcript
Where does marine debris come from?
Marine debris comes from many different sources and enters the ocean in many ways.
Intentional littering and dumping are a big cause of marine debris.
Sometimes the trash goes directly into the ocean, like when beachgoers donât pick up after themselves.
Or sometimes, marine debris is indirectly generated in a city hundreds of miles from the ocean.
When someone litters on the street or parking lot, rainwater can move the trash into storm drains that empty into streams, rivers, and other bodies of water.
Or, the wind can blow it there. Those rivers and streams can eventually carry the trash to the ocean.
Improper or careless waste disposal is another big cause.
Have you ever seen an overflowing trash can, but for some reason, people keep putting trash there? Hello, marine debris!
Or someone throws a piece of plastic in the trash, when it should have been recycled?
Around the world, many people don't have access to proper waste disposal or recycling â but the trash keeps piling up, and it has to go somewhere.
It's not just here on land â marine debris comes from activities out on the water, too.
People on boats sometimes throw their trash overboard, and thatâs against the law. Or, trash can accidentally fall, blow, or wash off of vessels into the water.
Sometimes fishers lose their fishing gear thanks to storms or passing vessels, too.
Once the debris gets to the ocean, it is very difficult to trace the exact source.
The bottom line is, marine debris comes from us. Humans are the source, and every single person has the power â and the responsibility â to prevent it.
Marine debris comes from many different sources and enters the ocean in many ways.
Intentional littering and dumping are a big cause of marine debris.
Sometimes the trash goes directly into the ocean, like when beachgoers donât pick up after themselves.
Or sometimes, marine debris is indirectly generated in a city hundreds of miles from the ocean.
When someone litters on the street or parking lot, rainwater can move the trash into storm drains that empty into streams, rivers, and other bodies of water.
Or, the wind can blow it there. Those rivers and streams can eventually carry the trash to the ocean.
Improper or careless waste disposal is another big cause.
Have you ever seen an overflowing trash can, but for some reason, people keep putting trash there? Hello, marine debris!
Or someone throws a piece of plastic in the trash, when it should have been recycled?
Around the world, many people don't have access to proper waste disposal or recycling â but the trash keeps piling up, and it has to go somewhere.
It's not just here on land â marine debris comes from activities out on the water, too.
People on boats sometimes throw their trash overboard, and thatâs against the law. Or, trash can accidentally fall, blow, or wash off of vessels into the water.
Sometimes fishers lose their fishing gear thanks to storms or passing vessels, too.
Once the debris gets to the ocean, it is very difficult to trace the exact source.
The bottom line is, marine debris comes from us. Humans are the source, and every single person has the power â and the responsibility â to prevent it.