Are we beginning to mistake our oceans for our garbage cans? This fact sheet will give you the basics about the problem of marine debris, which may be out of sight for humans but remains a persistent problem for marine life.

What is Marine Debris?

• Marine debris is trash or other solid material, which enters oceans and often washes up on beaches.
• Ten years of beach cleanup data indicates that 60 to 80 percent of marine debris comes from land-based sources.

What are the most common types of marine debris?

PLASTIC

• 63 pounds of plastic packaging goes into landfills in the US per person, per year.
• Only 3.5% of plastics are recycled in any way.
• Almost 90% of floating marine debris is plastic.
• Plastics are particularly problematic because they are NOT biodegradable. A plastic bag may break down into microscopic pieces, but it will remain in the environment forever.

PAPER

• Paper products such as napkins, writing paper, newspaper, magazines, or paper to-go cups are common forms of marine debris.

METAL

• Nearly 75% of all metal is used just once, and not recycled.
• Nails are often left on the beach after people burn wood pallets in beach bonfires. This poses a danger to people walking barefoot on the beach.

GLASS

• Shards of glass are also particularly hazardous to people walking on the beach, and can often be mistaken as food by marine wildlife.

STYROFOAM

• Styrofoam to-go containers or coolers often break down into tiny pieces that fish consume, mistaking it for food.
• In an effort to reduce the amount of waste and un-recyclable materials being consumed, the city of Capitola recently put a ban on styrofoam take-out containers at restaurants.

OTHER common forms of marine debris include cigarette butts, rubber products, diapers and other sanitary items, shoes, clothing or towels, and any other form of litter.

Where does it come from?

• Storm drains: When it rains, trash left on the sidewalks and streets is washed into storm drains, which is then carried to the nearest waterway, and eventually flows into the ocean.
• Beachgoers: Trash is often blown away by the wind or left behind on the beach.
• Ocean-users: Recreational and commercial fishermen may lose or discard fishing materials or debris overboard into the ocean.

What problems does it cause for marine life?

• INGESTION of marine debris can cause damage to the digestive system of marine life, causing malnutrition or even starvation
• SUFFOCATION can occur from plastic bags or plastic six pack holders, blocking passageways or normal growth
• ENGAGLEMENT can occur when common items like fishing line, strapping bands and six-pack rings hamper the mobility of marine animals. Once entangled, animals have trouble eating, breathing or swimming, all of which can have fatal results.
• Plastic marine debris affects at least 267 species worldwide, including 86 percent of all sea turtle species, 44 percent of all sea bird species, and 43 percent of marine mammal species.

What problems does it cause for people?

• Beachgoers can cut themselves on glass, metal or sharp plastic left behind on the beach.
• Marine debris can also impact the safety or livelihood of commercial and recreational fishermen.
• Debris left on the beach is an eyesore, turning our beautiful beaches and waterways into landfills!

What can I do to help?

Marine debris is a symptom of a much larger water pollution problem caused by our everyday consumer lifestyle.  Recognizing your role as part of the problem is the first step towards finding a solution.  You can work to be part of the solution by making some basic lifestyle changes:

• Buy products with little or no packaging, and products made from recycled materials
• Reduce the amount of waste you use and create:
• Bring re-useable bags to the grocery store
• Pack your lunch in Tupperware containers that can be washed out, rather than plastic sandwich bags that must be thrown away.
• Bring a reusable mug to the coffee shop, instead of getting a paper or Styrofoam to-go mug.
• Recycle as much as possible.
• Dispose of your waste properly.
• Keep storm drains clean.
• Avoid burning wood pallets with nails on the beach.  Don’t bury your fires, to avoid hot coals and nails underfoot and out of sight.
• Spread the word!  Tell your friends about how to properly dispose of their trash and recycling

What is Save Our Shores, and how can I get involved?

SOS’s mission is marine conservation through policy research, education and citizen involvement.  SOS holds regular beach cleanup events on beaches throughout San Mateo, Santa Cruz and Monterey Counties.  Do your part to help reduce the problem of marine debris, and join us at one of our beach cleanups!  You can also consider becoming a member of Save Our Shores today.

All above facts, pictures and information came from:

• EPA Marine Debris Fact Sheet
• The California Coastal Commission