Marine rubbish and debris is costing the Asia-Pacific region over one billion dollars every year.
The latest report by the Marine Resource Conservation working group of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC), found debris is on the rise in our oceans and up to 6.4 million tonnes is littering our sea’s each year, despite our efforts to control it.
80% is coming from land based sources.
Over half of the rubbish is found to be plastic, but experts suggest rubber, wood and sanitary products also add to the problem.
Report has found for every 100 units of debris that makes its way into the ocean, 15 % floats to the surface, 15% is collected in water columns near the shore and the rest eventually sinks to the bottom of our oceans.
Other recommendations put forward is the construction nets at the end of estuaries, rivers and streams that lead to the ocean, so they can catch the litter before it ends up in our oceans and water ways.
To find out more please go to:
http://www.abc.net.au/science/articles/2009/10/21/2719237.htm
