PLASTICIZING THE SEA-FLOOR - AN OVERVIEW

Plastic debris accumulates in the marine environment following its use in agricultural, industrial and social activities. Its ultimate fate is accomodation in sediments where it may persist for times up to cent uries or longer. There appears to be an increasing flux of materials w ith time and an increased areal coverage of the benthos. Impacts upon bottom organisms can take many forms. Systematic monitoring tactics fo r the extent of seafloor coverage by plastics are yet to be incorporat ed into national programs.