International Journal of Marine Science, 2024, Vol.14, No.1, 21-28 http://www.aquapublisher.com/index.php/ijms 24 Fishing industry debris in the ocean (Figure 3), such as damaged fishing nets, gear, and discarded fishing equipment, also serves as a source of marine plastic waste (Heo et al., 2023). Plastic waste may enter the oceans from urban drainage systems, rivers, and streams, with wind and water currents transporting plastic from land to water bodies. Tourism and recreational activities can contribute to an increase in plastic waste on beaches and tourist spots, especially in areas lacking proper waste disposal facilities. These sources collectively contribute to the accumulation of plastic waste in the environment, negatively impacting ecosystems and human health. Reducing the generation of plastic waste and increasing awareness and action on recycling and sustainable disposal are crucial measures to address this issue. Figure 3 Fishery waste in the ocean (Image source: https://www.huanbao-world.com/a/gufeichuli/74122.html) 2.2 Distribution patterns of plastic waste in the ocean The distribution patterns of plastic waste in the ocean are complex and influenced by various factors, including ocean currents, wind direction, river discharges, population density, and fishing activities (Han et al., 2022). Nevertheless, there are some common distribution patterns and features, and multiple plastic waste belts exist in the global oceans. Among them, the most well-known are the "Great Pacific Garbage Patch" in the North Pacific Ocean and the "South Pacific Garbage Patch" in the South Pacific Ocean. These regions are typically located in the center of the oceans, accumulating a large amount of floating plastic waste, forming massive garbage islands. The formation of these garbage patches is influenced by ocean currents, as these currents gather plastic waste in certain areas. Plastic waste is also widely distributed in nearshore and coastal waters, originating from river discharges, waste discharge from coastal cities and ports, as well as fishing activities. Wind and tides can also push plastic waste towards coastal areas, affecting beaches and ecosystems. In addition to floating on the water surface, a portion of plastic waste may settle on the seabed. This debris could impact benthic ecosystems, suffocating bottom-dwelling organisms and disrupting benthic habitats. Microplastics, extremely small plastic particles, have entered the marine food chain. Marine organisms such as fish, shellfish, and plankton may ingest these microplastics, transferring plastic waste up the food chain (Faisal et al., 2022), ultimately potentially affecting human health. Plastic waste is not only distributed on the surface of the ocean but can also accumulate in the deep sea. Research indicates that plastic fragments may sink to the deep ocean, posing potential impacts on deep-sea ecosystems (Figure 4). In general, the distribution of plastic waste in the ocean is complex, presenting various patterns. This distribution is influenced by multiple factors such as weather, hydrology, geography, and human activities. The diverse distribution patterns underscore the urgency of reducing plastic pollution and protecting the marine environment.
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