Marine litter

Marine litter refers to any persistent solid material, manufactured or processed, that has been abandoned, discarded, or lost and is found in marine and coastal environments. It consists mostly of plastic waste, but can also include metals, glass, rubber, textiles, and paper. Its sources are both land-based and sea-based, originating from urban, industrial, tourism, agricultural activities, as well as from shipping and fishing. Once released, marine litter poses a threat to marine ecosystems, biodiversity, and economic activities connected to the sea, as it can accumulate, fragment into microplastics and nanoplastics, and remain in the environment for very long periods.

👉 Read What is marine litter made of? to know more.