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THE OCEAN'S GARBAGE PROBLEM

THE OCEAN'S GARBAGE PROBLEM

Collection alone cannot solve the problem

Large quantities of garbage flow to a specific area repeatedly
Water, salt and dirt in the garbage make it difficult to recycle
Ultraviolet light and high temperature degrade the garbage, breaking it up into small pieces
Garbage flows to places where collection is not possible (no roads for access, etc.)

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Image:Collection alone cannot solve the problem

Negative impact on the environment

Living organisms cannot distinguish garbage from food, ingesting garbage by mistake
Living organisms are unable to break free after being caught by fishnet or rope
Garbage hinders the growth of seaside plants

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Image:Negative impact on the environment

Economic impact

Degraded landscape affects tourism
Garbage mixed in fishnets affects fishery
Garbage mixed in fishery products damages their reputation
Huge financial burden for cleaning up and disposing of the garbage
Marine accidents caused by garbage (collision, garbage caught in propeller, etc,.

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Image:Economic impact

Transboundary

Japan's garbage flows into the Pacific Ocean to reach northwest Hawaii and the west coast of the United States
Garbage from Japan's neighboring countries rides the tides to reach the coast of Japan
Garbage from inland cities and towns not facing the ocean flows to the ocean through rivers

Image:Transboundary