What is aquatic debris?

The debris may have been intentionally dumped, accidentally dropped or indirectly deposited from land or water. Whatever the source, aquatic debris is a direct result of human activities on land and in waterways. Depending upon its composition, it may sink, drift or float on the surface of the water.

The data cards used during the Great Canadian Shoreline Cleanup relate shoreline garbage to human activities to determine its source. The activity categories are:

• Shoreline and Recreational Activities Trash from beach-goers, picnics, festivals, etc.
• Ocean/Waterway Activities Trash form recreational/comemercial fishing, boat operators, etc.
• Smoking Related Activities
• Dumping Activities Garbage that has been illegally dumped.
• Medical/Personal Hygiene Debris that has often resulted from sewage overflow.