Marine debris is any persistent human-made material that enters the marine environment, including plastics, fishing gear, packaging and other discarded waste. Carried by rivers, stormwater and ocean currents, it affects coastlines and oceans around the world.
Its impacts are far-reaching—threatening marine wildlife through entanglement and ingestion, damaging fragile ecosystems such as coral reefs, affecting fisheries and tourism, and contributing to the growing global challenge of plastic pollution. Because marine debris crosses national boundaries, addressing it requires international collaboration, scientific research and community action. (Marine Debris Program)
Expedition
Transparency Journey – Marine Debris and Cetacean Populations (2008)
An award-winning expedition examining the relationship between marine debris and cetacean populations, combining environmental research, storytelling and public engagement to raise awareness of ocean conservation. 700km. Widely syndicated across film and television.
Film: Transparency Voyage
Speaking Presentation
International Conference on Marine Debris
Kamogawa, Japan
Presentation exploring the environmental impacts of marine debris and the importance of prevention, education and international collaboration.
Published Feature article:
Saving the Lost World Surfing World magazine . Tasmania, Australia – South West World Heritage marine debris expedition
https://theissling.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/tassie_savingthelostworldkristy.pdf
Activism (marine debris) photos:
