Relevance: GS-3 (Environment & Pollution) • Source: Nature Ecology and Evolution; Indian Defence Review; NOAA
A recent study published in Nature Ecology and Evolution claims that the Great Pacific Garbage Patch (GPGP) is now hosting a new ecosystem where coastal species (barnacles, anemones, crabs) are surviving and reproducing on floating plastic debris thousands of kilometres away from land.
What is the Great Pacific Garbage Patch?
- It is the largest marine debris accumulation zone in the North Pacific Ocean, trapped by the North Pacific Subtropical Gyre.
- Estimated size: 1.6 million sq km
- Composition: microplastics + abandoned fishing gear
- Mechanism: ocean currents concentrate floating waste into a persistent zone.
3. Concerns & Way Ahead
| Concerns | Way Ahead |
|---|---|
| Coastal species becoming invasive in open oceans | Global plastic treaty & strict curbs on single-use plastics |
| Microplastics entering global food webs | Expand cleanup projects (e.g., Ocean Cleanup, community-led efforts) |
| Threat to marine biodiversity & fisheries | Improve waste management & Extended Producer Responsibility |
| Long-term ecological uncertainty | Integrate actions with SDG 14 (Life Below Water) & strengthen ocean monitoring |
UPSC Prelims Practice Question
Q. The Great Pacific Garbage Patch is primarily formed due to:
A) Volcanic upwelling
B) Subtropical gyre circulation
C) Deep-sea currents
D) Continental shelf processes
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