Great Pacific Garbage Patch: 79 Thousand Tons of Plastic Endangers Marine Life
GS3Economy · S&T · Environment · Security· Pollution (air, water, plastic)· Prelims·
Why in news
A study highlights the massive scale of the Great Pacific Garbage Patch and the severe threat posed by microplastics and fishing nets to marine biodiversity.
Background
The Great Pacific Garbage Patch covers 1.6 million sq km between Hawaii and California. It contains 1.8 trillion plastic pieces (79,000 tons), where fishing nets account for 46% of the total mass.
Facts for Prelims
- FactGreat Pacific Garbage Patch covers 1.6 million square kilometres.
- FactMicroplastics constitute 94% of the pieces but only 8% of the total mass.
- FactFishing nets account for at least 46% of the total mass of the patch.
- BodyNOAA (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration) monitors marine debris and ocean health.
For Mains
Q. Discuss the ecological impact of marine plastic pollution and evaluate the challenges in implementing effective international cleanup strategies.
Dimensions to cover in your answer
- impact on marine biodiversity
- microplastic bioaccumulation
- transboundary nature of ocean pollution
- technological and logistical cleanup hurdles
Keywords: marine debris · microplastics · biodiversity loss · transboundary pollution · oceanic ecosystem
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This note is generated automatically from SatyaDheesh's news feed and mapped to the UPSC CSE syllabus. Check facts against the original report or PIB before using them in an answer.