UN looks to conserve life on the ocean waves

Plastic in the marine environment is becoming an increasing cause of concern because of its persistence and effect on oceans, wildlife and human beings.

Data provided by the UN Environment Programme shows that the oceans contain at least 51 trillion microplastic particles. Every year, at least 8 million metric tons of plastic ends up in the oceans. That's roughly equivalent to one municipal garbage truck pulling up on a beach every minute and dumping its contents into the water.

More than 600 marine wildlife species - 15 percent of them on the endangered list - have ingested or become entangled in ocean trash, which can enter the human food chain when fish are eaten, UNEP said.