The Great Pacific Garbage Patch

What is it, you ask?  Sadly, it's exactly what you think it is.  It's a monstrous "patch" of garbage that collects in the ocean.  It is not the only one, however it is the largest.   The GPGP is located in the Northern Pacific ocean and it is created by a combination of our pollution and a gyre.  A gyre is a vortex that is created by various ocean currents, winds and other atmospheric elements.  It creates a similar effect as starting a "whirlpool" in the pool as a kid.  This great website provides information on the 5-gyres of the world, the pollution problems they have and how you can help.

Because the way the currents move, it creates a convergence zone (see above) where plastic, chemical sludge and other debris collects and gets "stuck."  The size of the GPGP is undetermined because of the numerous layers of ocean water that are polluted with various sizes of marine debris.  It is also constantly moving, changing shape and has indeterminate boundaries.  


The Scripps Institute, located in California, has been doing research on this patch by taking several trips aboard the New Horizon vessel to the convergence zone to take samples.  Graduate students lead the Scripps Environmental Accumulation of Plastic Expedition (SEAPLEX).  One of these studies has found that in the past 40 years, the amount of  human produced plastics found in the GPGP has increased 100 times over and is literally altering ocean habitats!  They found that 9% of the fish in that area contained plastic in their stomachs.  Here is a wonderful blog by SEAPLEX.  Follow their research, learn what their learning, and see how you can help!


Plastic is not the only concern in the GPGP.  Fishing nets, fishing line and other fishing debris collect and entangle with each other and marine animals.

This is an example of a "ghost net" that was found in the GPGP.   "Ghost nets" are derelict nets that have been lost, broken or intentionally discarded by fishermen.  It is unfortunate, but they make up a large part of the pollution.  These can cause starvation, suffocation and even drowning.  Sea turtles take a big hit from these as well.  Because of their curious nature, they're bound to swim up and check the nets out.  Sometimes they get entangled and that can often lead to their death.

What can you do to help and avoid these unnecessary deaths?  Well, if you're a fisherman, either by profession or as a hobby, make sure you keep tabs on all of your equipment.  If you're on a boat out at sea, make sure everything is secured and will not fly out.  Dispose of all your trash properly.  The ocean is not your garbage can!  Some marinas and ports even have incentive programs to encourage you to not litter.  They offer free recycling, disposal and sometimes even compensation!  Take advantage of that. Here is a great link to find a program like that near you.

Avoiding Plastic Tip-of-the-Day: When dining out, say no to plastic straws! Sip or if you must have a straw, try these elegant, reusable glass straws! Think about it, McDonald's alone serves somewhere around 52 million meals per DAY!  How many plastic straws do you think they go through??