Marine Debris in the Mid-Atlantic Ocean Debris is a problem for
a number of reasons: - Debris can snare boat propellers or clog
cooling water intakes, causing substantial damage to boat
motors. - Pieces of glass and metal can cut beachgoers and
wildlife. - Sewage and medical wastes can contaminate beach
waters and sicken swimmers. - Marine animals can become caught
in discarded fishing nets and lines, grocery bags, six-pack
rings, ribbons, and other floating debris. - Some animals
mistakenly eat the man-made materials. Endangered sea turtles,
for example, consume floating trash bags and balloons, likely
mistaking them for jellyfish. Several seabird species have been
found to swallow plastic pieces and cigarette butts. These
materials can damage the animals' digestive systems. In
addition, animals may stop eating because their stomachs feel
full and starve to death. - Tourists may not visit shore areas
that have debris on the beaches and in the water, causing an
economic hardship. Find out how to participate i