Litter ends up in the sea via rivers and sewage pipes or with the wind. Litter from ships and boats often also accumulates in the ocean.

About 10% of marine litter is discarded fishing gear, which often kills or injures marine animals and seabirds.

Many plastics break into even smaller pieces becoming microplastics, which can enter the food chain.

Patches of litter and small plastic particles are funneled together by ocean currents. Liter also accumulates on the sea bed on beaches.

Around 36% of the world's seabird species and many species of fish have been reported to ingest marine litter.