This kind of litter, know as marine debris, is trash found in the ocean and bay or along its shores. Land-based debris blows or washes into the water from uses such as recreational beach visitors, solid waste disposal activities, inadequate sewate treatment operations, and illegal dumping. Marine debris creates ugly beaches, reduce tourism, adds to taxes for clean up, and poses a threat to humans and wildlife. Yet, it is the easiest form of aquatic pollution that we, as individuals, can eliminate or at least reduce. First we can reduce the amount of trash that is generated.
People often use disposable products because they are convenient.
By choosing to purchase more reusable products instead, we would greatly reduce the amount of waste generated, thereby reducing the number of waste items that might then become litter. Another method of reducing aquatic debris is to use the appropriate disposal practices. Disposing trash in tightly covered containers will likely keep it from becoming litter and possibly harming the local wildlife. But there are also additional challenges to consider. Many recreational areas do not even offer refuse bins for disposal, and even fewer will have recycle bins available.