Title: Coastal Species Found Surviving and Reproducing on Ocean Plastic Debris
The world’s oceans have become a dumping ground for plastic waste, causing detrimental effects to marine life. However, recent research reveals that plastic waste not only harms marine life, but its presence in the high seas has also caused colonization by coastal marine invertebrate species.
Researchers studying the plastic debris in the eastern North Pacific Subtropical Gyre found that over 70 percent of the plastic debris they examined contained coastal species. These species represented diverse taxonomic groups and life history traits.
The high seas were believed to harbor only open ocean species. However, the findings of the study have challenged this perception by discovering that coastal species thrive on plastic debris in the high seas. Moreover, the debris carried more coastal species than open ocean species.
The colonization of coastal species on plastic debris is not only surprising, but it also contributes significantly to the floating community composition in the high seas. The authors of the study noted that the increase of plastic waste in the oceans could potentially lead to more coastal species colonizing the high seas.
It highlights the need for increased focus and regulation on plastic waste management. Reducing plastic waste can help prevent colonization by coastal species in the high seas, which could have severe ecological and environmental consequences.
In conclusion, the study reveals that plastic debris in the high seas is not just a hazard to marine life, but also has drastic consequences on the colonization of coastal species. With this in mind, it is our responsibility to take action in reducing plastic waste in the oceans, and help prevent further damage to our fragile ecosystems.
Edited by Zeng Han-Jun
Written by Juliana Rodriguez
Terra Link Research 