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Great Pacific Garbage Patch

Charles Moore

Charles Moore

The founder of the Algalita Marine Research Foundation. He was the one who first discovered the gyre, when he was competing in a yachting race.

Ocean Gyres

Ocean Gyres

“An ocean gyre is a system of circular ocean currents formed by the Earth’s wind patterns and the forces created by the rotation of the planet.” [source: National Geographic]

Dying albatrosses

Dying albatrosses

The patch is a threat to marine life. Albatrosses, often mistaking the junk for food, feed it to their chicks. “Of the 500,000 albatross chicks born each year, about 200,000 die, mostly from dehydration or starvation.” [source: LA Times]

Microplastic

Microplastic

Many people believe that it is an island, when it is, in fact, patches that are comprised of tiny bits of plastic called microplastics. Plastic cannot decompose; they can only break down into smaller pieces, through a process called photodegradation. Because of this, the garbage patch will remain in the ocean for a long time.

Unknown depth

Unknown depth

Since the North Pacific Subtropical Gyre is too big, it is unknown how big the entire patch is. Another factor to remember is that not all trash floats on the surface. According to the UN Environment Program, an estimate of 46,000 pieces of plastic float every square mile of the oceans.

Less Seafood

Less Seafood

As various types of debris collect on the surface, they block the sunlight from reaching plankton and algae, which are the producers of the food chain.

Less Seafood cont.

Less Seafood cont.

The animals that feed on the producers will have less to eat. When the population of these animals decrease, the larger predators will have less food. Soon, seafood availability will decrease and prices will be raised.

Algalita Marine Research Foundation.

Algalita Marine Research Foundation.

Even if it is nearly impossible to clean up the patch, there are organizations dedicated to stop it from expanding. Organizations like the Plastic Pollution Coalition and the Plastic Oceans Foundation are currently using social media to support those who are willing to use biodegradable or reusable products instead of disposable plastics.

Garbage under the ocean

Garbage under the ocean

It is possible for plastic to litter the seafloor under the patch. Oceanographers and ecologists discovered that about 70% of the trash sinks to the bottom of the ocean.

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