Ocean Garbage Patch

The Great Pacific Ocean Garbage Patch is a swirling sea of plastic bags, bottles, and other debris that is growing in the North Pacific Ocean.  It is formed as a result of garbage being dumped into the ocean and gathered by oceanic currents.  Some negative effects on marine organisms due to this garbage patch include entanglement, small surface debris can cause harm with sea birds, and the garbage can lead to a higher toxicity level through photo-degradation.  The best hope for controlling these garbage patches is more plastic recycling and a wider use of biodegradable materials.