Marine debris threatens wild life

See also detail on the threats of plastic, nets, oil and discarded fishing line.

Marine debris continues to be one of the most significant threats facing sea turtles and ocean ecosystems. There are many excellent sites on the web offering reams of information and activities relating to marine debris problems. You may find some of the following sites quite useful:

• The Australian Marine Conservation Society offers a variety of information and resources relating to the Australian marine environment, including a section dealing with marine debris.
• The Algalita Marine Research Foundation offers a range of educational activities, materials and links relating to the marine environment and marine debris. The Foundation is also leading several research projects associated with the waste issue in the North Pacific Subtropical Gyre.
• The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) offers excellent science resources for teachers and students. The site presents educational activities for kids in addition to good links to other educational resources.
  NOAA leads significant research associated with the impacts of marine debris and presents some interesting case studies for educators, including the Exxon Valdez oil spill in Prince William Sound.
• The Surfriders Foundation Australia offers a variety of information on its website including information relating to its cleanup project for the marine debris washing up on Tasmania's shores and the Pacific Adventure oil spill that affected Moreton Island and the Sunshine Coast.
• The Reef HQ Aquarium in Townsville hosts an educational site with lots of information relating to marine debris. The site has a dedicated section for students and teachers.