70% of our earth is ocean. However, by 2050, ocean plastic will outweigh fish because 8 million metric tons of plastic enter the ocean each year and 93% of global fish stocks are fully or overfished.
To increase public awareness of the crucial role that sea plays as sources of food, oxygen, and medicine, United Nations (UN) observed June 8 each year as World Oceans Day. The theme for 2020 is "Innovation of a Sustainable Ocean".
The most famous project related to this theme is the collection of plastic debris from the Great Pacific Garbage Patch, organized by "The Ocean Cleanup" founded by a Dutch inventor Boyan Slat at the age of 18.
Image shows 5 biggest garbage patches in the oceans. The Great Pacific Garbage Patch is located between Hawaii and California, the size of three France. [Source: The Ocean Cleanup]
The Ocean Cleanup announced on Oct 2nd 2019 that their device had successfully captured plastic waste in the Great Pacific Garbage Patch. Click here to watch the video explaining how their system works.
The Ocean Cleanup is now working to develop System 002 which they expect to be a full-scale cleanup system that is able to both endure and retain the collected plastic for long periods of time. The group's ultimate goal is to reduce 90% of ocean plastics by 2040. Upon hopping for their success, we should also take concrete steps to reduce single-use plastics and protect ocean health from first place.
