Life Thrives in North Pacific "Garbage Patch": A Surprising Haven

A study conducted by citizen scientists from Georgetown University reveals that the North Pacific "Garbage Patch," known for its plastic debris accumulation, is also home to a diverse range of marine species including jellyfish, snails, barnacles, and crustaceans. The researchers collected samples of surface sea creatures and plastic waste during an 80-day swim through the North Pacific Subtropical Gyre (NPSG). They found that sea creatures were more abundant within the NPSG, and the occurrence of plastic waste was positively correlated with the abundance of certain floating sea creatures. The study highlights the importance of ocean currents in bringing together marine organisms, but also raises concerns about the negative impact of human activities on these ecosystems.