Where does all plastic in the Ocean come from?

THE OTHER SOURCE: WHERE DOES PLASTIC IN THE GREAT PACIFIC GARBAGE PATCH COME FROM?

Our new study published today in Scientific Reports reveals that 75% to 86% of plastic debris in the Great Pacific Garbage Patch (GPGP) originates from fishing activities at sea.

While we knew from previous research that 46% of the mass is fishing nets and ropes, the origins of the other types of plastics in the GPGP have — until now — remained unclear.

Plastic emissions from rivers remain the main source of plastic pollution from a global ocean perspective. But plastic lost at sea has a higher chance of accumulating offshore than plastic emitted from rivers, leading to high concentrations of fishing-related debris in the GPGP.

Learn more in our video below and in our latest website Update.