Larger Consequences of the Problem

The  Great Pacific Garbage Patch is but only one of the multiple landfills in the ocean. Research and exploration have shown that there are six ocean landfills in total. The other five landfills are located in the South Pacific, North Atlantic, South Atlantic, and South Indian Oceans, as well as the Barents Sea. Debris tracers were used to locate these patches. These ocean landfills have been traced for the past forty years, and their size is documented every year. Debris tracers are released six times throughout the course of one year to analyze and record the accumulation of trash and the way in which it disperses. For example, the South Indian Patch has decreased in size, but the South Atlantic Patch has experienced a slight growth. Both the South Atlantic and South Indian oceans have remained, more or less, the same size. However, the North Pacific Patch has and continues to expand in size.

Map Showing the Locations of the Six Ocean Landfills 

As more and more trash accumulates in the ocean, the consequences for our environment are becoming clear. Tourism, marine life, and humans, among other factors, are affected by the mismanagement of trash. Ocean coastlines are lined with increasing amounts of trash that not only, degrade ocean views, but also affect marine animals. In certain areas, beaches are covered under 5- 10 feet of trash. Moreover, over 19 of Hawaii's beautiful islands continuously receive large amounts of trash. Human heath is also at risk given that poisonous substances or toxins can enter the food chain through the consumption of seafood. As this issue becomes an overwhelming burden, it is up to the human population to rethink our current waste management.

Polluted Coastlines