In the United States, marine debris is defined as “any persistent solid material that is manufactured or processed and directly or indirectly, intentionally or unintentionally, disposed of or abandoned into the marine environment or the Great Lakes.” Oregon State law defines marine debris similarly. Marine debris is a growing global...
Marine debris is a growing problem that harms the environment and the economy. Its impacts range from impeding navigation to entangling wildlife and fouling beaches. Research helps explore this issue, bridges knowledge gaps, and supports prevention and reduction efforts.
In the recently-released Oregon Marine Debris Action Plan (OR MDAP), local...
The release of marine debris into the oceans and seas is a global issue of growing concern. These materials are harmful to marine environments and can also transport non-native species to novel habitats. Non-native species floating on marine litter is one of the lesser known impacts associated with marine debris....