Marine debris : sources, impacts and solutios

Marine debris is a global pollution problem affecting marine life, maritime commerce and environmental quality. Scientists, policymakers and the public must be knowledgeable about the source, impact and control efforts if effective solutions are to be developed. Marine Debris addresses the origin of persistent solid waste in the ocean, from urban and rural discharges to waste from ships and the recreational use of oceans. The book identifies key issues from biological, technological, economic and legal perspectives, and gives a framework for controlling each of the main sources of marine debris. The authors have done a very valuable job in bringing together such a large collection of information. Anyone with an interest in the topic will want to have access to the book. This volume was conceived as the definitive treatment of the global marine debris. The authors aim to lay the foundation for much wider recognition of this pollution, and to address its management at all social, economic, and political levels. The papers in this volume were based on invited contributions to the Third International Conference on Marine Debris (May 1994, Miami). The selected, edited contributions to this book include reports of the complex research results, reviews of data and information, legal analyses, and editorial perspectives. Each paper provides definitive information on, or relates key experiences relevant to, an important aspect of the marine debris problem or its solution.