It affects everything from the economy to giant blue whales. We know this is a problem, but we still have a lot to learn about this situation. Let's take a look at the sources, causes and effects, and possible solutions, of marine debris. Marine debris can be defined as “any manufactured or processed solid waste that enters the marine environment from any source” (Ten Things). Usually we just call it a litter box. But where does this litter come from? All marine debris comes from man-made waste. Most of this water enters our waterways from land, while 20% comes from ocean sources, such as fishing vessels and cargo ships (Problem). Once this waste enters the ocean, it is moved by currents and wind. They do not stay put and are usually transported far from their origin, making it difficult to determine where they came from. Not only are they difficult to locate due to moving, but this debris comes in many different forms, from small plastic cigarette butts to 4,000-pound fishing nets (Ten Things). Plastic, rubber, polystyrene, glass, metal, rope; the list is innumerable. The best known of these is plastic. “Marine plastic debris affects at least 267 species worldwide; 86 percent of all sea turtles, 44 percent of all seabird species, and 43 percent of marine mammal species” (Problem). Besides plastic, these are just a few items that marine animals might mistake for food and ingest. Additionally, we may accidentally eat marine animals that have ingested these wastes, making us sick. Marine animals can even become entangled and result in suffocation, starvation, drowning, increased vulnerability to predators or other injuries (Impacts). As the human population rapidly increases...... middle of paper ......ng to associations like NOAA so that they can do something to solve this problem. Although people know little about marine debris, it continues to grow and affect a substantial part of our environment and economy. Lending a hand won't be easy unless you learn more about this situation. Create less waste, collect waste, recycle, reuse, throw waste everywhere; Let's join hands and make the world a cleaner, safer place by eliminating marine debris once and for all. Works cited “Impacts of marine debris”. Water.epa.gov. (np), nd). Internet. April 17, 2014. Singh, Neha. “What is marine debris?” » marineinsight.com. (np), April 13, 2011. Web. April 11, 2014. “Ten things to know about marine debris. » NOAA.gov. (np), (sd). Internet. April 10, 2014. “The problem of marine debris.” www.coastal.ca.gov. (np), (sd). Internet. April 15., 2014.