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Sargasso Sea: A Plastic 'Nursery' Under Siege
8 Oct
Summary
- Microplastic pollution in the Sargasso Sea was found to be extreme.
- One sample contained 1,298 tiny plastic bits, exceeding Great Pacific Garbage Patch levels.
- Single-use plastic bottles and packaging are the likely source of the pollution.
In August 2019, an expedition led by Greenpeace and including actress Shailene Woodley uncovered extreme microplastic pollution in the Sargasso Sea, a crucial habitat located in the North Atlantic.
Researchers utilized fine nets to skim the sea surface, revealing alarming concentrations of plastic. One water sample alone contained 1,298 microplastic fragments, a figure that exceeded Greenpeace's findings in the Great Pacific Garbage Patch and were comparable to or higher than previous years.
Scientists identified single-use plastic bottles and packaging as the probable sources of this pollution. The Sargasso Sea, one of the world's ocean gyres, serves as a vital nursery for species such as turtles and eels.
Previous research from 2010 indicated plastic fragments were prevalent in the western North Atlantic and Caribbean Sea between 1986 and 2008. Despite increased plastic production, surface plastic levels in some areas showed no significant trend during those years, though the problem is ongoing.
These findings, while a snapshot from a press release, contribute to a growing body of evidence highlighting threats to understudied marine habitats. The data assists advocacy groups like Greenpeace in their efforts to promote ocean conservation.
As of January 17, 2026, the UN's High Seas Treaty has entered into force, providing a legal framework for designating areas like the Sargasso Sea as protected ocean sanctuaries.
