Why is there trash in the ocean? - Lesson Three

• Social Studies
• History
• +3
• 1st,2nd Grade

Introduction

Lesson 3 – How does trash enter the ocean? This lesson covers: • Discuss the different ways trash ends up in the ocean. • Think about why and how it ends up in the ocean. Learning activities: • Think about what they take to the park and is left behind. • Drawing, writing and discussion exercises on what they have learned. .

Instructions

Time: 45 minutes

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© Sea Shepherd 2022

Lesson 3 - How does trash enter the ocean?

This lesson is provided by Sea Shepherd.  Sea Shepherd is a marine conservation organisation with a mission to protect the ocean and marine wildlife.  Sea Shepherd works globally on a range of issues impacting the ocean, running numerous direct action campaigns each year.  Ocean pollution is one issue Sea Shepherd is working on.

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Illegal Fishing

Illegal fishing means that the fishermen enter the territorial waters of a country or regulated marine zone without permission or without a license for the fish they intend to catch.

They are stealing from these waters.

HOW DOES TRASH END UP IN THE OCEAN?

Ask students “How does trash finds its way into the ocean?”

Introduction to IUU fishing and the impact of overfishing.

What goes down the drain?

Some plastics are washed down the drain, such as microplastics (tiny pieces of plastic) like micro beads (found in cleansers and body scrubs), glitter and microfibers from clothes. These can find their way to the ocean.
Ask students what else might get washed down the drain that is bad for the ocean?
    Household chemicals – cleaning products, paint, weed killers.

Introduction to IUU fishing and the impact of overfishing.

What is dropped on the ground?

Sometimes trash is left on the ground. Dumped on streets, in parks or school grounds.
The wind and rain blows it into stormwater drains, creeks and rivers leading to the ocean or other bodies of water.
Ask students “What have you seen dropped on to the streets and parks that could end up in the ocean?”
Cigarette butts are a huge issue. They contain hundreds of chemicals and plastic. Trillions of them are thrown away each year, with large numbers ending up in the ocean.

Introduction to IUU fishing and the impact of overfishing.

What is left on the beach?

Visitors to beaches or rivers leave behind their rubbish, which is then washed into the ocean with the tide or blown into the ocean by the wind.

Tourists leaving rubbish behind.
Some tourists visit island nations who don’t have facilities to manage waste. Visiting tourists leave behind their waste for locals to remove. Rubbish dumps are often close to the water, so it can blow into the ocean.
Ask students “What have you seen, or think is dropped on the beach (or rivers) that could end up in the ocean?
    Plastic food packaging and drink containers are common items.

Introduction to IUU fishing and the impact of overfishing.

What is thrown overboard from ships?

There are thousands of ships traveling the ocean. They should be taking their trash to port to get rid of properly, but sometimes they dump it overboard, when they think no one is watching.
Lost overboard from cargo ships – during storms containers go overboard.
During storms and rough seas, it is possible for shipping containers to come loose and topple overboard. They may sink or break open and the contents wash into the ocean, or they may wash up on beaches.

Introduction to IUU fishing and the impact of overfishing.

What is washed away in storms and floods?

During storms and floods household items get washed away in waterways and end up in the ocean.

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LEARNING ACTIVITIES

Refer Teachers Guide for Learning Activities.