One researcher of marine debris has stated there's so much plastic trash floating on our seas globally that even if plastics were never dumped overboard again, plastic litter would continue to wash ashore for one hundred years. For humans, for example, there's danger posed by glass shards when stepped on with bare feet. Then there's the health hazards presented by syringes and other forms of sanitary and medical waste. Some animals have died gruesome deaths on account of garbage in their marine habitat. Common trash items like six-pack rings, synthetic fishing line and strapping bands entangle and kill sea birds, fish and mammals.
Animals also have mistaken plastic junk for food, leading to death by starvation or suffocation.
The economic effects are more difficult to gauge. Litter can damage recreational boats and fishing vessels, leading to lost time and money in costly repairs. Moreover, litter's unsightliness counter-acts efforts to attract tourism to an area. If beaches are not maintained, tourists may drive off and spend their tourist dollars elsewhere. Getting Started Having the advantage of past experience, Clean Nova Scotia can help out those who wish to participate.