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The Ecological Impacts of Marine Plastic Debris in the South Pacific Region
Summary
This thesis mapped the extent of marine plastic pollution in the South Pacific, finding contamination levels comparable to the North Pacific Garbage Patch, with significant threats to local ecosystems and island communities that depend on ocean resources for food and income. The study also compared the environmental impact of plastic shopping bag alternatives.
The population in the Pacific Islands region is vastly dependant on their oceanic resources, for food, protection and economic income. Today the Pacific Ocean faces many threats that could risk the living hood of its population. This study aims to map the extent of plastic pollution in the South Pacific and possible measurements against it. The study will also be focused on plastic shopping bags and try to assess the most environmentally friendly option. This will be achieved by literature reviews, personal interviews and experimental studies. The results showed that the pollution is of the same magnitude that in the more commonly known North Pacific Garbage Patch and may affect the ecosystems by killing animals as well as transporting environmental pollutants through the food web and invasive species through oceans. Much is still unknown about the affects of microplastics and further studies are needed. Main focus should be to stop the plastic pollution at the source, for example by levying plastic bags and only allowing completely compostable bags.