Plastic trash is creating a menace in the middle of the Pacific Ocean threatening sea creatures that get tangled in it, eat it or ride on it, according to a new report. The vast vortex of the plastic trash comprises old toothbrushes, beach toys and used condoms – all non-biodegradable.
Unlike organic material, plastic doesn’t break down easily letting the ocean currents and tides carry it thousands of miles to an area between Hawaii and the U.S. West Coast, a Greenpeace study says.
This swirling vortex is not far from the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands and can grow to be about the size of Texas! According to the Greenpeace report – ‘Plastic Debris in the World’s Oceans’ — at least 267 species are known to have suffered from entanglement or ingestion of marine debris. The species include seabirds, turtles, seals, sea lions, whales and fish.
With 80 percent of this debris coming from land and 20 percent from the oceans, the four main culprits are — tourism, sewage, fishing and waste from ships and boats.
Picture couretesy: Greenpeace