Plastic in the Ocean: What Are We Doing to Clean It Up

摘要

Plastic trash in the ocean is a hazard to wildlife and human safety. Six-pack rings, fishing line and plastic bags can trap, choke and strangle fish, birds and marine mammals. Larger pieces of plastic such as scraps of fishing net and rope foul propellers and cooling water intakes, causing a navigation and safety hazard for boaters and fishermen. Last year, Congress passed the Marine Plastic Pollution Research and Control Act (MPPRCA), which bans disposal of plastic trash in the ocean. The Washington Sea Grant marine advisory publication details the components of the new law and its potential effects on the boater, port manager and fisherman.