A new survey of the seabed around Europe has uncovered the depths of the marine rubbish problem.<br /><br />Debris such as bottles, plastic bags, fishing nets and other types of human litter has been found throughout the Mediterranean – from the continental shelf of Europe through to the Mid-Atlantic Ridge, 2,000 kilometres from land.<br /><br />The international study saw scientists from 15 organisations take nearly 600 samples from depths of 35 to 4,500 metres across the Mediterranean Sea and the Atlantic and Arctic Oceans.<br /><br />Litter was found at each site, causing a problem in the marine environment as it can be mistaken for food and also entangle coral and fish.<br /><br />The residue of burnt coal – known as “clinker” – thought to have been dumped by steam ships, was also evident.<br /><br />Plastic is the main offender, accounting for 41 percent of marine junk, while derelict fishing gear makes up 34 percent.<br /><br />The report was able to map out the path plastics can take as they are carried out into deep underwater canyons, where the most dense accumulations of debris were found.
