The Mariana Trench, the ocean’s deepest point, was once thought untouched by human activity—but the discovery of a plastic bag at its bottom proves otherwise.
Despite its remote location, this find highlights the alarming reach of plastic pollution. Studies show that 89% of plastic found there is single-use, and 17% of deep-sea plastic images show harmful interactions with marine life, such as entanglement and ingestion. Most ocean plastic—80%—comes from land-based sources, often transported by rivers from populated areas, while 20% comes from vessels. Fishing gear is also a major contributor. Plastics break down into microplastics and release chemical pollutants, even in the trench, threatening deep-sea ecosystems. This discovery is a stark reminder of the urgent need for global action: reduce plastic use, improve waste management, and support sustainable practices to protect our oceans.
