sources: article by Pham, C.K and others + euronews + guardian
A new survey of the seabed around Europe has uncovered the depths of the marine rubbish problem.
Debris such as bottles, plastic bags, fishing nets and other types of human litter has been found throughout the Mediterranean – from the continental shelf of Europe through to the Mid-Atlantic Ridge, 2,000 kilometres from land.
The international study saw scientists from 15 organisations take nearly 600 samples from depths of 35 to 4,500 metres across the Mediterranean Sea and the Atlantic and Arctic Oceans.
Litter was found at each site, causing a problem in the marine environment as it can be mistaken for food and also entangle coral and fish. The residue of burnt coal – known as “clinker” – thought to have been dumped by steam ships, was also evident.
Plastic is the main offender, accounting for 41 percent of marine junk, while derelict fishing gear makes up 34 percent.
Survey points in the Mediterranean sea
Dr Kerry Howell, associate professor at Plymouth University’s Marine Institute, who took part in the study, said:
“This survey has shown that human litter is present in all marine habitats, from beaches to the most remote and deepest parts of the oceans. Most of the deep sea remains unexplored by humans and these are our first visits to many of these sites, but we were shocked to find that our rubbish has got there before us.”
The report was able to map out the path plastics can take as they are carried out into deep underwater canyons, where the most dense accumulations of debris were found.
