《Plastic Debris in the World’s Oceans》.pdf

Solid materials, typically waste, that has found its way to the marine environment is called marine debris. It is known to be the cause of injuries and deaths of numerous marine animals and birds, either because they become entangled in it or they mistake it for prey and eat it. Plastic Debris in the World’s Oceans At least 267 different species are known to have suffered from entanglement or ingestion of marine debris including seabirds, turtles, seals, sea lions, whales and fish. The scale of contamination of the marine environment by plastic debris is vast. It is found floating in all the world’s oceans, everywhere from polar regions to the equator. Plastic Debris in the World’s Oceans Authors: Michelle Allsopp, Adam Walters, David Santillo, and Paul Johnston Acknowledgements: The authors would like the acknowledge the useful comments received from Richard Thompson and Charles Moore who both read earlier drafts of this document. Contents Executive Summary 5 1. Introduction 9 1.1 Plastic Marine Debris 9 1.2 Marine Debris – A Global Problem 10 1.3 Sources of Marine Debris 11 1.3.1 Land-based Sources 11 1.3.2 Ocean-based Sources 12 1.4 Trends of Marine Debris Over Time 12 2. Harm to Marine Life 13 2.1 Entanglement 14 2.1.1 Seals and Sea Lions 15 2.1.2 Manatees 16