Produced by: Plastic Debris, Rivers to Sea Project
Algalita and California Coastal Commission
Funding provided by the State Water Resources Control Board
June 2006
pdf document, 91 pages
Introduction
- The California Marine Debris Action Plan of 1990
- A State Mandate to Eliminate Marine Debris is Necessary
- The Plastic Debris, Rivers to Sea Project
- The Action Plan
- The Actions Recommended in this Plan - Process and Prioritization
Part I:
Marine Debris - Sources, Composition, and Quantities
- What is Marine Debris?
- Land versus Ocean Sources
- Abundance of Plastic in the Marine Environment
- Quantities of Plastic Debris Increasing Significantly in Oceans
- Sources and Composition of Debris Found on Beaches
- Trash and Debris in Stormwater and Urban Runoff
- Other Research Characterizing Trash in Urban Runoff
- Distribution and Composition of Marine Debris on California's Coast
Part II:
Marine Debris - Impacts
- Ingestion and Entanglement
- Ecosystem Impacts
- Debris as a Transport Mechanism for Toxics and Invasive Species
- Economic Impacts
Part III:
Current Efforts to Address Land-Based Discharges of Marine Debris
- Federal Programs and Initiatives
- State Programs and Initiatives
- Regional Programs and Initiatives
- Local Government Programs and Initiatives
- National Public Interest Groups
- California Public Interest Groups and Associations
- Industry Initiatives
The Ocean Conservancy
pdf document, 35 pages, 2005
20th anniversary International Coastal Cleanup
The Ocean Conservancy promotes healthy and diverse ocean ecosystems and opposes practices that threaten ocean life and human life. Through research, education, and science-based advocacy, The Ocean Conservancy informs, inspires, and empowers people to speak and act on behalf of the oceans. In all its work, The Ocean Conservancy strives to be the world's foremost advocate for
the oceans.
The International Coastal Cleanup engages people to remove trash and debris from the world's beaches and waterways, to identify the sources of debris, and to change the behaviors that cause pollution.
Introduction
How to Use This Book
Quick Tips
- Shoreline Cleanup
- Underwater Cleanup
Estimating Weights and Distances
The World of Marine Debris
Activities That Produce Debris
Sample Data Card
Items Listed on the Data Card
Debris Items of Local Concern
Potentially Hazardous Items
Stranded or Entangled Animals
Natural Items
Peculiar Items
Other Volunteer Opportunities
- National Marine Debris Monitoring Program
- RECON
- Storm Drain Sentries
- Ocean Action Network
- Ocean Wilderness
More Information
"Project Kaisei is a non-profit organization based in San Francisco and Hong Kong, established to increase the understanding and the scale of marine debris, its impact on our ocean environment, and how we can introduce solutions for both prevention and clean-up. \n\nOur main focus is on the North Pacific Gyre, which constitutes a large accumulation of debris in one of the largest and most remote ecosystems on the planet. To accomplish these objectives, Project Kaisei is serving as a catalyst to bring together public and private collaborators to design, test and implement break-throughs in science, prevention and remediation.\n\nKaisei means "Ocean Planet" in Japanese, and is the name of the iconic tall ship that was one of the two research vessels in the August expedition."
Aquarium Event
Flotsametrics and the Floating World
Curtis Ebbesmeyer
As an oceanographer for Mobil/Standard Oil, Dr. Curtis Ebbesmeyer was fascinated by sea currents and eddies and began to focus on beaches and the debris deposited on them.
RISE ABOVE PLASTIC (RAP) SUCCESS!
Green Ambassadors, in partnership with The Surfrider Foundation and The Algalita Marine Research Foundation, created the Rise Above Plastics Program, a student speaker series that encourages Los Angelenos to curb their single-use habits. Through the program, students learn about the impact of plastics on our lives and the environment, including plastic marine debris, chemicals and toxins. Students spread the word to their peers and the community by delivering engaging presentations that encourage practical solutions. In addition to learning about the inherent problems of living in a throwaway society, students learn the value of teamwork and polish their public speaking and presentation skills. In 2009, nearly 20 students participated in the program, delivering 30 presentations to more than 850 students and community members!