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Science ReportsFunded by: National Science Foundation
Plastic OceansEarth and Environment
IN THE NEWS

Ocean; Photo NASA
World's Oceans Face Plastic Pollution Problem
November 13, 2008
REPORT
Some scientists and environmentalists believe that more than 5 million square miles of the Pacific Ocean has become a soup of plastic confetti -- the remnants of plastic trash that travels on ocean currents from the world's shorelines. Now, researchers are trying to quantify the extent of the problem, and learn more about how plastic pollution affects fish, marine mammals and birds. NewsHour correspondent Spencer Michels reports.
KEY FEATURES
"Junk Raft" Journey Raises Pollution Awareness
SLIDE SHOW
Environmental educator Marcus Eriksen travelled from California to Hawaii on a raft built from plastic soda bottles, aiming to draw attention to the problem of plastic pollution. Listen to him describe his journey.

Junk Raft
Experts Answer Your Questions on Plastic Pollution
FORUM
Holly Bamford, director of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's Marine Debris Program, and Charles Moore, head of the Algalita Marine Research Foundation, answer your questions about plastic pollution.

ADDITIONAL FEATURES
  Main: Plastic Oceans
RESOURCES
  Slide Show:
  Junk Raft Journey
  Forum: Moore, NOAA Rep
  Answer Questions
 Quiz: Test Your
  Plastic Pollution Knowledge
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