Marine Litter: An analytical overview

This publication was prepared by UNEP/Regional Seas and the GPA and was published in June 2005.

The document deals with the problem of marine litter, as well as measures to prevent the problem, with an analysis of the situation and proposals for action.

[ PDF 8.58MB ]

Tightening the noose - Flyer

Marine litter disposed of in the marine or coastal environment – is an environmental, economic, health, and aesthetic problem.

Coastal waste dumps, municipal wastewater discharges, rivers, industrial facilities, merchant ships, fishing vessels, cruise ships, and even offshore oil and gas platforms – all contribute to this mounting crisis.

[ PDF 978KB ]

Plastic Debris in the World’s Oceans

This publication was prepared by Greenpeace and authored by Michelle Allsopp, Adam Walters, David Santillo, and Paul Johnston.

This report draws together scientific research on the distribution of marine debris in the world’s oceans and its impacts on wildlife.The information is sourced largely from papers that have been published on this subject between 1990 and 2005. Finally it addresses workable solutions to help curb this threat to the marine environment. [ PDF 978KB ]

National Marine Debris Monitoring Program

Ocean Conservancy’s Landmark 5 Year Research Project was conducted under the direction of marine debris expert Seba Sheavly from 2001 to 2006 with the goal of setting a nationwide scientific baseline of the marine debris problem in the U.S.

This study is the first significant evaluation of the marine debris problem faced in the U.S. and will help federal and state agencies, as well as local communities better understand where trash in the ocean is coming from and it will assist in developing solutions for preventing this serious problem. [ PDF 3.85MB ]