'Garbage Patch' in Pacific Grows to Hundreds of Miles
Over the last few months scientists have started to
monitor a ‘garbage patch’ in the Pacific Ocean a little
more closely. Circular, rotating ocean currents cause ocean debris to collect
in this specific area. Experts that have been observing this area of ocean for
all of their lives agree that this debris field is as large as it has ever
been. There is visible trash in the water for over 100 square miles. This is a
huge problem because it doesn't only pollute the water; it also makes it unlivable
for any wildlife. Solutions to this growing problem include greater enforcement
of littering in the ocean. Part of this enforcement could include greater fines
or punishment if caught littering in the ocean. A barrier to this solution is
that the ocean is so huge it would be very difficult to patrol and keep an eye
on all of it. I believe we need to do much more than we are currently doing to protect
our oceans. Our oceans provide us with so much; the least we could do is keep
them clean.
Interesting, yet alarming article. I agree with the points you made about the stricter littering fines, however, what if we took a look at the root of the problem? The litter gets there from our wrongdoing some way or another. Its almost as if litter gets into the ocean its an 'instant' fix, and the litter is never seen again. Maybe by producing advertisements geared towards informing the general public of the repercussions of littering our oceans, people would be more aware and make a more conscious effort to keep our oceans clean.
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ReplyDeleteI know recently these "garbage patches" have become more and more of a problem. I agree with Hannah in that we should make an effort to advertise the huge effect that not properly and responsibly recycling and throwing away your trash can have. I also think it could be viable to mount some sort of clean-up mission to clear some of the garbage out of those spots since it is so densely collected.
Wow. That's crazy. I believe that we should use that trash to create a private island like they are doing in the united Arab Emirates. Then the profits could be used to help out the environment later.
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