Sources of Marine Litter

 

Because marine litter comes from sea-based and land-based sources, reduction and prevention measures must be implemented across a wide range geographic locations and societal sectors. Additionally, marine litter may originate from a variety of sources; from waste from landfills on land to galley waste from commercial shipping. However, the main sources can be grouped as follows:

The main sea/ocean-based sources of marine litter

• Merchant shipping, ferries and cruise liners
• Fishing vessels
• Military fleets and research vessels
• Pleasure craft
• Offshore oil and gas platforms
• Fish farming installations

The main land-based sources of marine litter

• Municipal landfills (waste dumps) located on the coast or inland
• Riverine transport of waste from landfills or other sources along rivers and other inland waterways (canals)
• Discharge of untreated municipal sewage, including storm water (including occasional overflows)
• Industrial facilities: Solid waste from landfills, and untreated waste water
• Tourism (recreational visitors to the coast; beach-goers)