Alton Parrish
ineffableisland.com
May 5, 2014
A new paper published on the journal PLOS ONE alerts that even in the deepest ocean depths you can find bottles, plastic bags, fishing nets and other types of human litter. Experts from the Consolidated Research Group on Marine Geosciences of the University of Barcelona (UB), led by Professor Miquel Canals, participated in the seafloor survey.
Plastic and fishing gear are the most common litter items found on seafloors
Credit: Consolidated Research Group on Marine Geosciences of UB
Marine litter is a serious environmental problem that affects coastal and oceanic ecosystems all over the planet. Geologists Galderic Lastras and Xavier Tubau (UB) also participated in the survey that describes the presence of litter on Mediterranean, Arctic and Atlantic seafloors —from the continental shelf of Europe to the Mid-Atlantic Ridge— at all depths (from 35 m down to 4500 m).
Plastic, fishing gear, glass, metal, wood and clothing
Plastic and fishing gear are the most common litter items found on seafloors. Glass and metal, wood, paper/cardboard, clothing, pottery, and unidentified materials were also observed.
The Emergency Election Sale is now live! Get 30% to 60% off our most popular products today!