Is there a source/reference to see an actual plot of plastic marine debris occurrence?
Currently, there is no comprehensive map plotting plastic debris occurrence. Because marine debris moves with winds and currents, sometimes far from its origin, it has become a global problem. If there were a map of plastic debri occurrence, it would most likely include coastal areas worldwide – monitoring and debris accumulation studies and survey results could be used. Of course, the map would only show marine debris that can be seen or that is washing ashore. Studies are now also being done on marine debris that is more difficult to see: benthic (seafloor) marine debris (e.g., Monterey Bay, CA and the Gulf of Mexico), and microplastics and small plastic particles. An accurate and quantitative marine debris map would be very useful, and through collaborative efforts like the Hawaii Marine Debris Action Plan working group, this can be done on a state or local level as a beginning to fully understanding the occurrences of marine debris.
