Skip to main content
Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary National Marine Sanctuaries Home Page National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Home Page

Resource Issues: Marine Debris

recovered marine debris on dockOverview

Trash and other solid, man-made materials that make their way to our oceans are known as “marine debris." Common types of marine debris include plastic bags, bottles, cans, and cigarette butts. The sources of marine debris are both land-based and ocean-based. Litter on the streets can wash down storm drains and rivers into the ocean. Trash left on the beach pollutes the ocean and our seashores. Extreme natural events, like tsunamis and hurricanes can carry any number of materials out to sea. Ocean-based sources of marine debris include fishing gear (like nets, traps, and line) that is lost or sometimes abandoned, and cargo lost overboard from shipping vessels.

Marine debris is a widespread pollution problem facing the world's oceans. Litter washes ashore, dirtying beaches. Ocean currents can move marine debris potentially far from where it originated. Debris can injure marine animals that may swallow it or become entangled in it.

A lot is happening to prevent marine debris within the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary. Click on the links below to learn more and get involved!

 
 
 sunken shipping container
 
grounded vessel
   

 

Other Efforts

marine debris on beachEveryone can make a difference in reducing the amount of trash in the ocean and on our beaches. You can do your part by:

  • Reducing the amount of trash you produce by reusing or recycling (try using reusable bags, water bottles, and coffee mugs)
  • Disposing of trash properly
  • Recycling or disposing of your fishing line properly
  • Participating in a beach or stream cleanup
  • Learn more about what you can do to prevent marine debris

For more information on marine debris, visit:

 

Reviewed: July 18, 2024
Web Site Owner: National Ocean Service

Take Our Survey | Privacy Statement | Site Disclaimer
National Marine Sanctuaries | National Ocean Service | National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration | USA.gov