Fighting the plastic flood in the oceans.

The global flood of plastic has long since reached every corner of the world's oceans. And more garbage is added every day. Around 19 to 23 million tons of plastic waste end up in the world's waters every year, that's almost two truckloads a minute. Because plastic is particularly stable, it accumulates in the oceans and breaks down into smaller and smaller pieces over time, from macro to micro and nano plastic. The sea creatures are particularly affected. Practically all of the organisms examined in studies, from plankton to sperm whales, come into contact with plastic waste and microplastics. What health consequences does this have for them? How is plastic distributed in the oceans? Where are the “hot spots” where the garbage accumulates? And how can the flood of plastic be combated and waste avoided? The Alfred Wegener Institute examines these questions in field studies and in the laboratory, creates forecasts, informs the public, and advises politicians on strategies and laws for waste avoidance.

Image: AWI/Esther Horvath