How bad is it?
Plastic debris has become one of the most stubborn pollutants in our ocean, lurking in every corner of marine ecosystems. It’s everywhere, from the deepest parts of the ocean to the most remote islands. By 2050, plastic in the ocean will outweigh fish.
How does plastic
end up in our
ocean?
As plastic production has ramped up over the last 70 years, so has the subsequent pollution, which finds its way into the ocean via a number of routes, with the primary one being our rivers.
Where does
it all go?
Once plastic enters the ocean, its fate is sealed by its properties. Around half sinks immediately, while over 80% of what floats washes ashore within a month. The rest circulates in coastal waters or drifts out to sea, driven by currents and wind.
The implications
Plastic pollution’s reach extends far beyond what the eye can see, causing significant harm to marine wildlife, ecosystems, human health, and the global economy.
