Ocean Garbage Patch

The ocean garbage patch is a swirling sea of plastic bags, bottles, and other debris that is growing in the North Pacific. Recently, another one has been found forming in the Atlantic ocean. It is thought that this collection of garbage has formed by oceanic currents. The patch's rotational pattern draws in waste material from across the North Pacific Ocean, and as material is captured in the currents, wind-driven surface currents gradually move floating debris toward the center which traps it in the region.

Some of the longer-lasting plastics end up in the stomachs of marine birds and animals. Of the approximately one-third of the Laysan Albatross chicks that die, many of them are due to being fed plastic from their parents. Besides the particles; danger to wildlife, on the microscopic level the floating debris can absorb organic pollutants from seawater. Aside from toxic effects, when ingested, some of these are mistaken by the endocrine system as estradiol (a sex hormone) which causes hormone disruption in the affected animal.

We can help by being conscious of the plastic we use and dispose of. Even the smallest pieces of plastic can pose a threat to the health of all animals on our planet. Try using reusable water bottles and shopping bags and also try using products with less packaging and avoid single use plastics. You can also get involved with ocean cleanup programs and advocators such as Heal the Bay, Clean Ocean Action, and Ocean Conservancy.