Marine Debris

Video & discussion activity – PBS

3.51 min

Life on Earth began in the sea, and today ocean life continues to nurture and sustain all of us, regardless of where we live. One of the main problems for oceans nowadays is marine debris. Marine debris is trash that ended up in the ocean and is washed up on beaches.

1)Watch the PBS video from the series “Jean-Michel Cousteau: Ocean Adventures” and answer the questions that follow.

Comprehension Questions

1. What are some of the items Jean-Michel Cousteau found on the beach on Laysan Island?
2. Was Jean-Michel surprised with the garbage washed upon the shores?
3. Where did these items come from?
4. How does garbage wind up on the beaches of the Hawaiian Islands?
5. What is the Great Pacific Garbage Patch?
6. How much of the debris found in the ocean comes from land?
7. How do they reach the ocean?
8. Why do birds ingest plastic?
9. How are birds affected by the plastic they ingest?
10. Who is responsible for this problem?

Adapted from: Jean-Michel Cousteau: Ocean Adventures-  PBS.org

Discuss  What are some ways that we can prevent trash from getting into our waterways? How could we clean up garbage patches?

 

Answers here!