Coastal Ecosystem Thrives on Great Pacific Garbage Patch

Scientists studying plastic trash in the Great Pacific Garbage Patch have found dozens of coastal species that have managed to establish new communities in the open ocean. The findings overturn the long-held idea that the open ocean is a barrier that most coastal species could never breach. The researchers found all kinds of nonnative species, from anemones to worms to little crustaceans, on 70% of the 105 debris items examined. The study has possible implications for all kinds of animals higher up the food chain like turtles, fish, and marine mammals.