### History and Current Status of the Great Pacific Garbage Patch

### History and Current Status of the Great Pacific Garbage Patch

#### 1990s: Discovery and Warning
In 1999, a research group led by Professor Masahisa Kubota of the Faculty of Marine Science at Tokai University discovered a massive garbage patch in the North Pacific Ocean. This band-shaped structure, approximately 1000 km wide, is concentrated between latitudes 20° and 40° north, crossing the Pacific Ocean from east to west. The patch is formed as waste, including plastics and styrofoam, discharged from the U.S. West Coast and Japanese coasts, is carried by currents and winds over months.

Plastics, in particular, have been highlighted as a problem, with microplastics entering marine organisms' bodies and causing adverse effects on entire ecosystems through the food chain. This discovery served as a turning point for international awareness of marine pollution as a global environmental issue, prompting countries to take measures starting in the 2000s.

#### 2000s: Establishing International Frameworks
In the 2000s, marine garbage became a central issue on the international agenda. In 2004, the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) released its first international report on marine plastic pollution, urging governments to take action. Meanwhile, in Japan, cleanup activities in Lake Biwa and along the Sea of Japan intensified, with local governments and citizen groups initiating voluntary efforts to reduce marine debris.

Corporate initiatives also emerged, with Procter & Gamble (P&G) launching shampoo bottles made from recycled ocean plastics in 2008, gaining international attention. Meanwhile, scientists conducted the "Drifting Debris Project," identifying the material composition and sources of the North Pacific garbage patch, providing crucial data for addressing marine pollution.

#### 2010s: Expansion of Efforts
In the 2010s, international efforts to address marine plastic pollution advanced further. The Dutch non-profit organization "The Ocean Cleanup" was launched to develop technologies for collecting marine debris. In Japan, the Ministry of the Environment implemented the "Action Plan for Marine Plastic Waste Countermeasures," promoting cleanup activities and recycling technologies in collaboration with local governments and companies.

Corporate activities also saw progress, with Japanese companies like Sekisui Chemical accelerating the development of biodegradable plastics and an increasing number of companies actively promoting products made from recycled materials.

#### 2020s: Technological Innovation and International Cooperation
Entering the 2020s, the "Great Pacific Garbage Patch" remains a severe issue. "The Ocean Cleanup" has set a goal to remove 90% of floating marine plastics by 2040 and has improved its collection systems. To date, more than 19000 tons of plastics have been removed, with enhanced efficiency.

In Japan, Suzuki Motor Corporation launched the "Suzuki Clean Ocean Project" in 2020, equipping outboard motors with microplastic collection devices. Pilot Corporation began selling pens made from recycled ocean plastics, and LIXIL developed "Reviea," a sustainable material using composite plastics and ocean plastics, expanding eco-friendly products.

#### Future Challenges and Prospects
Despite progress, the challenges in addressing the Great Pacific Garbage Patch remain significant, both technically and economically. International cooperation and corporate innovation are key to overcoming these issues. Initiatives like "The Ocean Cleanup" and Japan's Ministry of the Environment's efforts highlight the direction of next-generation environmental technologies while emphasizing the need for waste reduction and widespread recycling technologies.

The history of the Great Pacific Garbage Patch demonstrates the complexity and difficulty of environmental problems, while also emphasizing the potential of human technology and cooperation. Efforts toward a sustainable marine environment are expected to make further progress.