Litter becomes marine debris when it enters the marine environment.   We see litter everywhere as we move through our daily lives; it's on our roadsides, in our parking lots, and in our creeks in streams.       Anything that ends up on the ground can quickly end up in one of our waterways.  The next storm could wash the debris from the roadside, parking lot or schoolyard into a storm drain or creek; all of which lead straight to the ocean.

     There are easy ways to be a part of the solution to the marine debris problem.

1) Don't litter.

2)  If you see a piece of litter, pick it up. 

3)  Reduce, reuse, recycle.  And remember, reduce is the first and most important "R.”

    KAB of NHC is actively involved in the marine debris issue.  Through our work with litter prevention and litter cleanups, we understand the magnitude of the problem.  That and the many unanswered questions regarding marine debris are things we care about.  The best known solution to marine debris is to prevent more litter from entering the ocean, and preventing litter and cleanups are two of our top priorities.

    Through collaboration with The Plastic Ocean Project, we are investigating marine debris on our beaches here at home, in Bermuda, and in the North Atlantic Gyre.   The information we’re gathering will add to what we know about plastic pollution in the Atlantic and how our community can be a part of the solution.

   Get involved by looking at your own choices, and volunteering at events such as the Great American Cleanup and Big Sweep.  Join our friends at Surfrider and Cape Fear River Watch for their cleanups and events.   

Visit these links for more information:

www.theplasticocean.net

www.theplasticocean.blogspot.com

www.algalita.org

www.marinedebris.noaa.gov

  Videos:

A locally made 4 minute PSA on marine debris:  http://vimeo.com/1870031  or here:  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vfmvHPikWGc

The story of Inky, a pygmy sperm whale who stranded in 1993. 

http://www.viddler.com/explore/aquaweb/videos/13/