Being lightweight and durable, plastics, once in the ocean system, can migrate anywhere and last for hundreds of years. As items break down and persist in the ocean the environmental threat posed increases.

Plastics contain toxic chemicals related to their colouring, flexibility, durability and protection from micro-organisms to name a few. They also attract and accumulate toxic chemicals already in the water from sources such as pesticides.

Plastic debris can be kilometres long – discarded fishing lines or nets – to very small (raw plastic pellets) – to microscopically small particles.

When handling plastic debris, the type of item is the guide to whether it presents a hazard. Syringes must be handled with care and you should avoid skin contact with cylume stick fluid. Large lengths of wet rope or plastic sheeting need to be handled carefully to avoid back strain and likewise, if there are hundreds of small plastic pieces to pick up, avoid bending down for long periods at a time.

If any item is difficult to extract either get help or leave it. Often items will be freed up by changing conditions over time. If you find an item too large or heavy to remove contact Tangaroa Blue Ocean Care Society with the location, size and description of the item and we will inform relevant authorities to have it picked up.

Plastics have been classified Hard Moulded, Soft Flexible or Foamed Plastic in the following examples. This can help the process of identifying a given plastic item, its use and origin.

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