As water flows downstream towards the ocean it brings with it any trash or debris in its path. This means that the water bottle left by the side of the river or the cigarette butt put out on the sidewalk that washes into the storm drain will eventually end up in the ocean. This trash, or marine debris, poses a serious threat to our oceans and marine life, our food supply, public health, and tourism and the economy it supports.

Due to the increased use of plastic and other synthetic materials, marine debris causing increasing damage to ocean ecosystems and wildlife. Fish, birds, and other aquatic life can mistake small bits of trash for food. This trash travels through these animals’ digestive systems often resulting in malnutrition, entanglement, and strangulation. Scientists estimate that more than 5 million square miles of the Pacific Ocean is covered with trash, and most of it is believed to be made up of plastic remnants from the world's shorelines.

• Volunteer with SOLV and our partners!
• Bring your own reusable water bottle, coffee cup, and shopping bag
• Reduce, Reuse, Recycle
• Choose products with less packaging
• Properly dispose of all waste - It is less likely to end up in the ocean if it is recycled or put in a trash can

• Algalita Marine Research Institute - An Oceanography institute that has done substantial research on the issue of marine debris. They floated the JunkRaft from Los Angeles to Hawaii to raise awareness of the problem.
• The Center for Ocean Sciences Education Excellence - A page geared towards educators with curriculum ideas related to marine debris.
• Chris Jordan Photography - A photographer who has taken a number of photographs of marine debris. His collection of from the Midway Islands contains photos of albatros who have eaten a large amount of plastic and are very disturbing.
• California Coastal Commission - The State of California's regulatory council for land and water in coastal areas.
• Global Marine Litter Information Gateway - The Kid's Against Marine Litter Page has resources to get children thinking about the problems with litter.
• The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's Marine Debris Program.
• The Ocean Conservancy - Partners with SOLV for its International Coastal Cleanup in September. They publish many resources on issues confronting the world's oceans. Their 2009 Report has lots of information on marine debris.

• Oregon Shores Conservation Coalition - An organization dedicated to preserving the Oregon Coast. Through the CoastWatch program, a group of dedicated volunteer stewards have adopted a stretch of coastline and conduct regular cleanups.
• Oregon Parks and Recreation Department - The Parks Department manages Oregon's many State Parks along the coast.
• PBS Newshour - Watch this segment on Marine Debris and ocean plastics.
• Surfrider Foundation - The Surfrider Foundation is a non-profit organization made up of individuals dedicated to the protection and enjoyment of the world's oceans, beaches, and waves. Their chapter in Newport has been partners for our Beach Cleanups for years. This link takes you to their Rise Above Plastics Website which has good information on how you can reduce the amount of plastic you consume.
• Turning the Tide on Trash - A Learning Guide on Marine Debris put together by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.