Impacts of Marine Debris

In the CNMI

Contents

1. Vocabulary
2. Introduction
3. Whole Group Activity
4. Closure
5. Homework

Vocabulary

01

02

03

Physical impurity or contamination

Pollution

Entanglement

Ingestion

A condition of being wrapped and twisted together

The process of taking in something for as if for digestion

Vocabulary

04

05

06

Conservation

Coastal communities

toxicity

The preservation, protection, or restoration of the natural environment and of wildlife

People and towns that live close to the ocean or sea

The level of poison contained in a substance and its ability to harm the body or environment

Vocabulary

07

08

Cultural heritage

Economic impact

The traditions, customs, and artifacts that are important to a group of people or a community

The effect that something has on jobs, money, and businesses in a community

Introduction

Coral Reefs

Debris moves with currents or tides, damaging delicate corals by scraping, crushing, or breaking them

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Physical Damage

Smothering

Debris settling on reefs smothers coral, blocking sunlight needed for growth

Coral Reefs

Tiny algae in reef corals provide food and nutrients through photosynthesis

Zooxanthellae

Marine

Life

Entanglement

Trapped in fishing lines, nets, etc.

Ingestion

mistake Small pieces of plastic for food…

Invasive

Species

Transporting

Non-Native Species

Floating debris can carry invasive species that outcompete native CNMI marine life

Increasing resilience of non-natives

Invasive species often survive harsh ocean conditions better than native species

Human & Economic Impacts

• Decline in Tourist Visitors

Marine debris can deter tourists from visiting popular sites in the CNMI.

Fish caught in polluted waters may carry toxins or microplastics. Consumers may avoid purchasing seafood from certain areas.

• Reduced Market Value

Fisheries

Consumers may avoid purchasing seafood from fish caught in polluted areas, reducing market value and income for local fishermen

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Fish may ingest plastic or become entangled in debris, leading to increased mortality rates

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Decline in Fish Populations

Reduced Market Value

Coastal communities

Health Risks

Leads to higher levels of bacteria and harmful pathogens in coastal wears, posing health risks.

Coastal communities in the CNMI rely on the ocean for sustenance.

Food Security

Cultural heritage

Debris can damage or restrict access to fishing areas, making it difficult for local communities to rely on these spaces for subsistence and ceremonies.

Traditional Fishing & Gathering

local species

• Sea Turtles
• Birds
• Fish
• Other Marine Animals

Whole-Group Activity

Debunking

1. Who wrote this?
2. Do the authors have any potential bias or something to gain?
3. Are there any statements made without data to back them up?
4. What is the purpose of the information? Is it supposed to be entertaining or scientific?
5. When was the source published? Is the information up to date?
6. Is the source reputable?
7. Has the source been cited by others in the field?

By 2050, there will be more plastic in the ocean than fish.

Group 1

Discuss & Debunk

Marine debris does not impact the health of worldwide fisheries and the economy.

Group 2

Beach cleanups are the best solution to the marine debris problem.

Group 4

Marine debris only impacts animals, not humans.

Group 3

Think-Pair-

Share

1. One key takeaway from the lesson
2. One thing that surprised you
3. One idea for reducing marine debris

Homework

(Optional Activity)

Expand

On

These

myths!

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• Fact: Plastic is the most abundant type of marine debris in our ocean, Great Lakes, and waterways.
• Fact: Microplastics are small pieces of fibers that are smaller than 5 mm in size, or about the size of a pencil eraser and smaller.
• Myth: There is a solid island of plastic in the ocean that is visible from space.
• Fact: Plastic marine debris comes from people.
• Myth: 80% of plastic marine debris comes from activities on land, 20% comes from activities at sea.
• Myth: It takes hundreds of years for plastic to break down and go away.
• Fact: Plastic marine debris can cause problems for people, ecosystems, and our economy.
• Myth: Most plastic waste is recycled.

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