Beach trash accumulates in predictable patterns on Washington and Oregon shores

Beach trash accumulates in predictable patterns on Washington and Oregon shores

Volunteers spent thousands of hours recording trash on beaches in Washington and Oregon to show that certain beaches, and certain areas of a single beach, are 'sticky zones' that accumulate litter. Finding patterns for where litter lands could help to better prevent and remove trash in the marine environment.

Beach trash accumulates in predictable patterns on Washington and Oregon shores

Citizen scientists recorded trash on Pacific Northwest beaches, from southern Oregon to Anacortes, Washington, to contribute to the growing study of marine trash. A study by the University of Washington analyzed 843 beach surveys and found that certain beaches, and certain areas of a single beach, are "sticky zones" that accumulate litter.

Beach trash accumulates in predictable patterns on Washington and Oregon shores

Volunteers spent thousands of hours recording trash on beaches in Washington and Oregon to show that certain beaches, and certain areas of a single beach, are “sticky zones” that accumulate...