Solid garbage such as plastic
containers, bags, and plastic six-pack
rings generate enormous hazards in
marine wildlife. Animals often mistake
these for food or, in the case of the six-
pack rings, get tangled in them, which
could ultimately block their breathing
and lead to injury. This heartbreaking
scenario is caused by the vast amounts
of waste and debris accumulated in the
ocean's surface that migrate to regions
known as "garbage patches". The
Pacific and Atlantic Oceans have two
patches each, located in the north and
south. The Indian Ocean's patch is
centered halfway between Africa and
Australia. About 90% of the debris in
all five patches consists of plastic; the
giant accumulations primarily consist
of throwaway plastics such as plastic
bags, bottles, caps, and kitchen
utensils. The highest concentration of
plastics can be found in the North
Atlantic garbage patch, coming
primarily from the United States,
Canada, Mexico, and Europe.
In Costa Rica people strive for harmony
between man and nature. It's one of the
leading countries in environmental
conservation. The land of bananas,
coffee and "pura vida" has a lot to offer.
It accounts for only 0.03% of the
earth's surface; however, it contains
nearly 6% of the world's biodiversity.
National Parks and Reserves cover an
area of 1342 hectares which is
equivalent to 25.6% of its total land
area.
Having
signed
forty-five
international environmental treaties
(most ratified between 1990 and
2003), Costa Rica stands as a role
Ocean's DNA