Detecting ocean debris.

Scientists from NASA and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration have combined satellites, sophisticated color and thermal imaging, and small twin-engine planes equipped with a group of sensors to detect floating ocean debris. Much of the junk comes from industrial fishing, logging and dumping. Using ocean circulation models, the scientists estimated where currents and winds might concentrate debris. Ocean debris off the coast of Alaska is a growing problem for wildlife. The biggest threat comes from old fishing nets that drift and trap everything in their path. The scientific team successfully located a variety of debris near Alaska and along the coast of British Columbia. They plan to expand the project to areas around Hawaii.