Plastic Pollution in the Ocean

Wavelets on the ocean reflect light which is what you see from satellites. In fact, it is possible to obtain wind velocity on the ocean from the degree of reflectance. The debris, most of which is slightly submerged, is obscured by this reflectance.

We are working with Google to make the debris visible by using Chris Jordan's technique of imaging pieces we have found in mass and layering them on google earth, so that when you zoom in on the gyre, you will see the debris in quantities paralleling those we have found there.

This is actually a very popular question. The NOAA Marine Debris Program is working with our partners to learn more about the movement and concentration of marine debris in areas of the North Pacific Ocean, particularly in the Subtropical Convergence Zone (STCZ), a marine debris "hot spot."

The STCZ is a known area of marine debris concentration in the North Pacific Ocean that is sometimes referred to as the "garbage patch." Fishermen and others who have sailed the area have reported small areas of concentrated floating debris, however this observation is not typical. Most of the reports we have received and studies that have been conducted report that the observation of large items that are visible from the ships deck are few and far between. A majority of the debris observed in this "hot spot" is made up of smaller plastic pieces.

Smaller debris pieces are difficult to see due to their size and a majority of these pieces are suspended just below the surface of the water, thus making it difficult to observe. Because of this, the debris, or "patch" of debris is not visible using satellite photos or Google Maps.

NOAA is currently supporting work in the STCZ to test the use of unmanned aerial systems (UAS), launched from ships, to detect derelict fishing gear and other marine debris at sea. While it may be possible through further testing to eventually detect some smaller debris and plastics, as mentioned in the "garbage patch," this technology is not able to do so at this point. For more information visit http://marinedebris.noaa.gov/projects/atsea.html.