The Mariana Trench, Earth’s deepest ocean point, was once thought untouched by human impact—until a plastic bag was found on its seafloor.

This discovery, recorded in the Deep-Sea Debris Database, reveals the reach of plastic pollution even in remote ecosystems. Seventeen percent of plastic

images in the database show interactions with marine life, from entanglement to ingestion, threatening species like coral, jellyfish, and octopus.

Plastic is the most common ocean debris, with single-use plastics—like the bag found—making up 89% of trench pollution.

About 20% of ocean plastics come from ships, but 80% originate on land, often carried by ten major rivers

through densely populated areas. Discarded fishing gear also contributes heavily, forming much of the Great Pacific Garbage Patch.

As plastics degrade, they release microplastics and chemical pollutants that sink to the ocean floor,

potentially harming deep-sea ecosystems. The trench’s pollution underscores humanity’s global environmental footprint.

Efforts to combat this crisis include promoting reusable products, recycling, and stricter plastic regulations.

Awareness and sustainable practices are vital to protect marine life and preserve oceans.

The plastic bag in the Mariana Trench stands as a stark warning: urgent action is needed before the damage becomes irreversible.