In 1992, a young, emaciated sperm whale washed up on Wrightsville Beach and died shortly after she was found.   Cause of death:  a stomach full of trash.

Marine debris is trash that ends up in the ocean, and it impacts all of us.  In a county surrounded almost entirely by water, it's particularly important that we address this problem.  Anything that ends up on the ground can end up in one of our waterways, all of which lead to the ocean.   

Visit NOAA's Marine Debris page:  www.marinedebris.noaa.gov  Lots of information plus fun things for the kids.   

 It's easy 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"!

Photo from NOAA

Heard about the Eastern Garbage Patch, or the Gyre?  Learn more about what's going on in the Pacific Ocean.  www.algalita.org    Great FAQ section for all those things you were wondering about.  And reminds us that there really isn't any "away."

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