From Newsweek · · 1m 30s
Robot Finds Ocean Debris at 3 Miles Deep
Deep-sea robot discovers plastic waste 3 miles below ocean surface, warning of pollution spread.
In brief
Deep-sea robot discovers plastic waste 3 miles below ocean surface, warning of pollution spread. Scientists found plastic debris in Mar del Plata Submarine Canyon at 4,500 meters depth, showing pollution reaches remote ocean areas. Originally reported by Newsweek.
Scientists discover deep-sea pollution
Scientists found plastic waste scattered across the deep-sea floor in Mar del Plata Submarine Canyon off Argentina's coast.
ROV survey reveals litter at 4,500 meters
A remotely operated vehicle (roving) descended to 4,500 meters, nearly three miles, mapping plastic sheets, bags, food wrappers, and fishing gear.
Lead researcher Daniel Lauretta explains
Daniel Lauretta of Argentina's Museo Argentino de Ciencias Naturales said deep sea is connected to human activities despite appearing remote.
“even very remote and deep environments are not completely isolated from human activities”
Co-author Diego Urteaga notes
Diego Urteaga said litter matches 'waste generated by vessels operating offshore,' such as fishing vessels.
“waste generated by vessels operating offshore”
Surprising deep-sea finds
A fishing rope emerged in front of the ROV, and a solitary boot was found resting on the seafloor.
Low litter quantity but significant warning
The relatively low amount of litter observed compared to other submarine canyons is a key finding but not proof of no pollution.
“the relatively low amount of litter we observed compared with some other submarine canyons is certainly an important finding”
Sian Sutherland warns about plastic
Sian Sutherland of A Plastic Planet says plastic can travel vast distances before becoming trapped in underwater canyons for decades.
“proof that there is no 'away' when it comes to plastic”
Future steps for monitoring
Scientists plan to expand surveys to other deep-sea canyons around Argentina to track pollution changes.
In short
Scientists found plastic debris in Mar del Plata Submarine Canyon at 4,500 meters depth, showing pollution reaches remote ocean areas.
