http://www.plosone.org/article/info%3Adoi%2F10.1371%2Fjournal.pone.0095839

Pham CK, Ramirez-Llodra E, Alt CHS, Amaro T, Bergmann M, et al. (2014)
Marine Litter Distribution and Density in European Seas, from the
Shelves to Deep Basins. PLoS ONE 9(4): e95839.
doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0095839

Abstract
Anthropogenic litter is present in all marine habitats, from beaches to
the most remote points in the oceans. On the seafloor, marine litter,
particularly plastic, can accumulate in high densities with deleterious
consequences for its inhabitants. Yet, because of the high cost involved
with sampling the seafloor, no large-scale assessment of distribution
patterns was available to date. Here, we present data on litter
distribution and density collected during 588 video and trawl surveys
across 32 sites in European waters. We found litter to be present in the
deepest areas and at locations as remote from land as the Charlie-Gibbs
Fracture Zone across the Mid-Atlantic Ridge. The highest litter density
occurs in submarine canyons, whilst the lowest density can be found on
continental shelves and on ocean ridges. Plastic was the most prevalent
litter item found on the seafloor. Litter from fishing activities
(derelict fishing lines and nets) was particularly common on seamounts,
banks, mounds and ocean ridges. Our results highlight the extent of the
problem and the need for action to prevent increasing accumulation of
litter in marine environments.

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