The ocean between Hawaii and California is changing color, with researchers suggesting microplastics near the Great Pacific Garbage Patch may be contributing to the shift.
The Great Pacific Garbage Patch, a swirling collection of plastic debris in the Pacific Ocean, is roughly twice the size of Texas, according to NOAA. While the patch is not a solid island of trash, much of the plastic is broken into small pieces and spread out, making it impossible to see from space.
A study published this week in Communications Earth & Environment analyzed satellite records from 2002 to 2022. Researchers found significant brightening in blue and green wavelengths in areas near the patch. They believe microplastics may be contributing to the color changes but emphasized the need for further research.
They also noted that removing tiny microplastics from the open ocean would be extremely difficult, although some groups are working on solutions.
The Ocean Cleanup, an organization focused on addressing ocean pollution, released a video this year showing their use of special drones and artificial intelligence to identify and map debris to strategize for large-scale cleanups.
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