Marine debris
Marine Debris
Marine debris (/məˈriːn dɪˈbriː/), also known as marine litter, is human-created waste that has deliberately or accidentally been released in a sea or ocean. The term also includes materials that are carried out to sea from land by rivers, drainage or wind.
Etymology
The term "marine debris" has been in use since at least the early 1980s, due to increased awareness of the presence of human-produced waste in the ocean. The word "marine" comes from the Latin marinus meaning of the sea or ocean, and "debris" originates from the French débris meaning remains or waste.
Types of Marine Debris
Marine debris can be categorized into two main types: macrodebris and microdebris. Macrodebris are items such as bags, bottles, fishing nets, and other larger items that are visible to the naked eye. Microdebris are tiny particles, often smaller than 5mm, that are either manufactured to be of a small size (microbeads in cosmetics, for example) or occur as a result of the degradation of larger items.
Effects
Marine debris poses a significant threat to marine life, human health, and navigational safety. Animals can become entangled in debris or ingest it, often with fatal consequences. Microdebris can also absorb harmful pollutants, which can then enter the food chain and potentially affect human health.
Prevention and Cleanup
Efforts to prevent and clean up marine debris include legislation, waste management, public education, and cleanup operations. Many organizations and initiatives worldwide are dedicated to reducing marine debris, such as the International Coastal Cleanup and the Marine Debris Program.
See Also
References
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Marine debris
- Wikipedia's article - Marine debris
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