Marine pollution events have most often been identified by a catastrop
he as opposed to rational scientific deduction. Herein I examine three
instances where alterations to the marine environment may result in a
loss of resources, either public health or the structure of marine ec
osystems: the entry of biostimulants leading to eutrophication; the en
try of artificial radionuclides; and the entry of plastics. The introd
uced materials are increasing in flux, have long residence times, and
have known impacts upon living systems.