Helping reduce marine debris and litter
Marine debris is anything that inadvertently ends up in the marine environment. It get there directly or indirectly, intentionally or unintentionally, disposed of or abandoned. No matter how it got there, it will have an impact on the environment. Living around the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary has it's benefits, but also its responsibilities. Great conservation efforts happen locally around the Monterey Bay through a variety of organizations. Read on for more resources about how you can enjoy the environment as well as protect it.
Most common types of marine debris - plastics, glass, metal, Styrofoam, and rubber, derelict fishing gear
Protect while you play
- Conserve water. The more water you use the more water you send down the drain to be processed at sewage treatment facilities. This excess water can lead to sewer overflows and raw sewage discharges into streams, rivers and beach areas.
- Use designated restrooms at beaches. This can help to decrease the amount of human waste that is washed into the ocean. Keep diapered children out of the water and dispose of diapers properly.
- Properly dispose of pet waste. Bring bags to collect pet waste and throw it away in a trashcan. This helps decrease the amount of waste that is washed into streams, rivers and beaches when it rains.
- Dispose of trash properly. Place all waste in a trashcan, not on the beach or in the water.
- Use natural products in your yard. Whenever possible, minimize or eliminate the use of chemical herbicides and pesticides because they pollute the water.
- Maintain your septic system, including the drain field. Follow manufacturer instructions regarding pumping and maintenance service. This prevents the discharge of raw sewage into storm drains, rivers, streams, and the ocean following heavy rainfall.
- Properly dispose of boating waste. Empty portable toilet and sewage holding tanks into approved on-shore facilities. Maintain engines to minimize discharges of oil and gasoline
Do your part - Marine Debris is EVERYONE'S problem
- Tip 1: Secure loads in your vehicles.
- Tip 2: Report Litter.
- Tip 3: Stop Litter before it starts. The most effective way to keep litter off the beaches and roadways is to not generate it in the first place. Say no to plastic bags and polystyrene. When at the beach, use the Pack-it-in, Pack-it-out rule and take all your waste with you.