Nearly 700 species of marine animal have been recorded as having encountered human-made debris such as plastic and glass according to the most comprehensive impact study in more than a decade.
Researchers at Plymouth University found evidence of 44,000 animals and organisms becoming entangled in, or swallowing debris, from reports recorded from across the globe.

The United Nations agricultural agency has today announced the launch of new technology that will allow quick identification of species of the fish while better helping to protect endangered shark species and to combat illegal trade in shark fins.

Jenna Jambeck hält eine Einkaufstüte voller Müll in die Höhe. "Fünfzehn solcher Tüten", sagt sie, "kommen auf jeden Meter Küste der Welt. Fünfzehn!" Rund acht Millionen Tonnen kämen so zusammen - die Menge an Plastikmüll, die jedes Jahr in die Weltmeere gelange.
Jambeck, Umweltingenieurin an der University of Georgia, und zwei Kollegen versuchen am Donnerstag auf dem Jahrestreffen des US-Forscherverbands AAAS im kalifornischen San José, schwer vorstellbare Zahlen anschaulich zu machen.

About 8 million tons of plastic waste wound up in the world's oceans in 2010, and researchers warn that the cumulative amount could increase more than tenfold in the next decade unless the international community improves its waste management practices.

New Worldwatch Institute analysis explores trends in global plastic consumption and recycling.

As the confusion continues as to the Commission’s plans to withdraw the Circular Economy Package, Seas At Risk and five other NGOs question the reasons for this withdrawal in a new statement.

Tuna and other fish species may congregate around whale sharks, but new rule reduces the chance that the giant sea creatures could get caught in nets targeting those species.
Whale sharks are among the largest living fish in the world -- weighing up to 40,000 pounds and 40 feet in length. They are also so docile that humans often swim with them without concern, snapping photographs of their incredible size.

The Australian government has been accused of an unprecedented reversal of its international conservation obligations by seeking to opt out of the protection of five shark species.

A pan-European survey has revealed the public’s awareness, concerns and priorities about human impacts on the oceans. The results show high levels of concern about marine pollution in particular, and that, generally, respondents were most concerned about the issues they felt most informed about. The study could help policymakers develop marine strategies that are more responsive to public preferences, its authors say.

A drinks container deposit scheme is to be introduced in NSW within the next few weeks as part of a plan to clean up the state's beaches and parks.
The details of the cash for containers scheme are still being finalised but it is likely to feature a rebate of 10 cents per item.
The NSW Government has been negotiating with the drinks industry to introduce the system and Environment Minister Rob Stokes said similar initiatives had proved highly successful in reducing waste in public spaces around the world.