Marine Debris Sources, Impacts, and Solutions [Paperback]

Marine debris is a global pollution problem affecting marine life, maritime commerce and environmental quality. Scientists, policymakers and the public must be knowledgeable about the source, impact and control efforts if effective solutions are to be developed. Marine Debris addresses the origin of persistent solid waste in the ocean, from urban and rural discharges to waste from ships and the recreational use of oceans. The book identifies key issues from biological, technological, economic and legal perspectives, and gives a framework for controlling each of the main sources of marine debris.Marine debris is a global pollution problem affecting marine life, maritime commerce and environmental quality. Scientists, policymakers and the public must be knowledgeable about the source, impact and control efforts if effective solutions are to be developed. Marine Debris addresses the origin of persistent solid waste in the ocean, from urban and rural discharges to waste from ships and the recreational use of oceans. The book identifies key issues from biological, technological, economic and legal perspectives, and gives a framework for controlling each of the main sources of marine debris.I The Status of Marine Debris.- Section I. Amounts, Types, and Distribution.- 1. Debris in the Mediterranean Sea: Types, Quantities, and Behavior.- 2. Distribution of Floating Debris in the North Pacific Ocean: Sighting Surveys 19861991.- 3. Marine Debris in the Caribbean Region.- 4. Distribution, Type, Accumulation, and Source of Marine Debris in the United States, 19891993.- 5. Pelagic Plastics and Other Seaborne Persistent Synthetic Debris: A Review of Southern Hemisphere Perspectives.- SECTION II. Biological Impacts.- 6. The Highest Global Concentrations and Increased Abundance of Oceanic Plastic Debris in the North Pacific: Evidence from Seabirds.- 7. Encrusters, Epibionts, and Other Biota Associated with Pelagic Plastics: A Review of Biogeographical, Environmental, and Conserval<