1 September 2022

The Ocean Cleanup has published its latest findings on the composition, origins, and age of plastic debris accumulating in the Great Pacific Garbage Patch (GPGP). These findings add to our understanding of the plastic pollution problem, helping us refine our cleaning strategy and gain insight into the origins of this plastic.

  • The new study published in Scientific Reports reveals 75% to 86% of plastic debris in the Great Pacific Garbage Patch (GPGP) originates from fishing activities at sea.
  • Plastic emissions from rivers remain the main source of plastic pollution from a global ocean perspective.
  • Plastic lost at sea has a higher chance of accumulating offshore than plastic emitted from rivers, leading to high concentrations of fishing-related debris in the GPGP.
  • New findings confirm the oceanic garbage patches cannot be cleaned solely through river interception and highlight the potentially vital role of fishing and aquaculture in ridding the world’s oceans of plastic.

Read more at The Ocean Cleanup.