Keep trash out of the ocean
Debris is hazardous to sea life

More than half the nation's population lives along the coast, while many others visit the ocean each year, yet few Americans are aware that the health of the oceans is at risk.

Nor do most know that people can play an important role in keeping the oceans clean, no matter where they live. Marine debris, such as fast food packaging, cigarette lighters/butts/packaging, beverage containers and disabled or waste fishing gear, enters the ocean directly when discarded near the coast or indirectly via rivers, streams and storm drains that ultimately flow into the ocean.

Discarded plastic bags, which comprise more than 50 percent of dangerous marine items, are consumed by marine mammals such as sea turtles and whales, leading to choking and starvation.

Thousands of seals, sea lions, whales, dolphins and sea turtles also become entangled in plastic debris and lost fishing lines and nets. This trash destroys habitats and causes skin lesions, ulcerating wounds, suffocation and death.

"The good news is that the problem of trash in our oceans is one that can be solved," said Lori Arguelles, president and CEO of the National Maritime Foundation. "Each of us can make a huge difference by being more aware of how we dispose of our trash."

To learn how to protect the oceans, visit the website www.keepoceansclean.org.

This story is provided by North American Precis Syndicate Inc.