In search of a solution
Even if we manage to prevent any more plastic from entering
the oceans, the natural loss of plastic from the
gyres is slow and likely low; therefore, a cleanup is still
necessary. Since the problem gained widespread attention
at the beginning of this century, several cleanup concepts
have been proposed, each based on vessels with
nets – essentially, fishing for plastic. Unfortunately, even
though the concentration of plastic in these five subtropical
gyres is extremely high compared to the rest of
the oceans, plastic is still spread over millions of square
kilometers. Hence, it would likely take many billions of
dollars and thousands of years to clean up such an area
using those methods (Moore, 2011). By-catch and emissions
would likely be problematic using this approach.
Furthermore the ocean is not a particularly friendly place
to work. Why move through the oceans, if the oceans can
move through you?