Supporting Superior: A Marine Debris Exhibit

Since 2022, Isle Royale National Park has been partnered with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Marine Debris Program to raise awareness about the sources and impacts of marine debris and to encourage individuals to take action. This partnership supported the development and installation of Supporting Superior: A Marine Debris Exhibit on Isle Royale, which highlights the impacts of marine debris on the island and in Lake Superior.

Visit Supporting Superior: A Marine Debris Exhibit

Supporting Superior: A Marine Debris Exhibit is open daily 9:30 am - 5:30 pm ET in the Rock Harbor Auditorium at Isle Royale National Park.

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About the Marine Debris Program

NOAA’s Marine Debris Program is the United States Government’s lead for addressing the impacts of marine debris on our ocean, waterways, and Great Lakes. Within this program, NOAA works with organizations around the United States and globally to prevent marine debris from entering the environment, remove it from coastal areas, better understand the problem through research and shoreline monitoring, and respond to debris created by disasters.

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What is Marine Debris?

Marine debris is defined as any persistent solid material that is manufactured or processed and directly or indirectly, intentionally or unintentionally, disposed of or abandoned into the marine environment or the Great Lakes.

Anything human-made can become marine debris. Debris found within Lake Superior originates from many land-based sources and travels due to people, wind, and stormwater. On the water, gear from fishing activities, such as lures and monofilament line, as well as entire vessels can become derelict and abandoned. Common plastic litter in Lake Superior includes single-use bags, beverage bottles, balloons, cigarette butts, and food wrappers.

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“Beyond beachgoers and everyday consumers, debris we find on the north shore of Isle Royale can come from freighters and commercial fishing, including tires, nets, plastic tarps, plastic rope, and hard plastic tubing.”

Candy and Rolf Peterson, Leaders of the Isle Royale Wolf-Moose Project since 1970

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Microplastics

Microplastics are a subcategory of marine debris. Plastic is made of synthetic materials that do not decompose, but instead break up into smaller and smaller pieces known as “microplastics.” Microplastics are smaller than 5 mm in size, or about the size of a pencil eraser, and smaller.

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“Plastic foam breaks up and becomes impossible to collect.”

Candy and Rolf Peterson, Leaders of the Isle Royale Wolf-Moose Project since 1970

Research on the impact of microplastics in Lake Superior fish has been conducted by Dr. Lorena Rios Mendoza, University of Superior, Wisconsin. Her findings have shown that out of 2,000 fish, microplastics are present in half. These microplastics, “were primarily fibers…most likely from clothing.”

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Marine Debris Harm

Marine debris is one of the most widespread threats to the health of the world’s coastal areas, oceans, and waterways, including the Great Lakes.

Marine debris can injure or kill marine and coastal wildlife in a variety of ways. Many aquatic species mistake microplastics for food, which can take up space in their stomachs and cause them to feel full. This can lead to starvation.

Wildlife can also become entangled in marine debris, which can make it difficult to swim and feed. Debris such as balloon strings, six pack rings, and fishing line, can cut into the bodies of wildlife and lead to death.

Besides harm to wildlife, marine debris can damage and degrade habitats; interfere with navigational safety; cause economic loss to fishing and maritime industries; diminish the quality of life in coastal communities; and threaten human health and safety.

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“The north shore of Isle Royale gets the most marine debris. I typically spend a few hours every summer on the shoreline at Todd Harbor collecting bottle caps, straws, and shards of plastic about the size of a quarter yielding a full trash bag of debris. The tarps and rope are the worst because they get wrapped up in the rocks on the shore.”

Lynette Potvin, Ecologist, Isle Royale National Park

Marine Debris in Lake Superior

Concentrations of marine debris in Lake Superior.

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Lake Superior is the largest freshwater lake by surface area in the world. Together, the five Great Lakes hold about 90 percent of the freshwater in the United States, and approximately 20 percent of the world’s freshwater supply.

Despite Lake Superior’s importance, marine debris is a large factor in its pollution.

After sampling Lake Superior’s surface water at 94 locations, researchers from the University of Waterloo found plastic particles in all of these samples. They estimate that more than 2.5 billion plastic particles are in the surface water of Lake Superior (Cox et al. 2021).

The majority of the plastics found from this study were microplastics, ranging in size from the thickness of mechanical pencil lead to the width of a dime’s edge. The most common particles found were microfibers, which are often synthetic material and shed from our clothing or other textiles.

What Can You Do About Marine Debris?

Remember

Marine debris is preventable. This global problem is caused by people, and we can also be the solution.

Secure Belongings and Waste

While you are on the move, dedicate a container or zip bag to place all personal trash. Double-check your surroundings so nothing is left behind.

Dispose of Waste Properly

No matter where you are, model the behavior you want to see. Pick up trash even if it is not yours.

Refuse

Refuse single-use plastics by bringing a reusable bottle, bag, and cutlery wherever you go.

Reuse

Reuse items. Instead of throwing away unwanted belongings, find ways to repurpose them through art, such as turning old newspapers into poetry. Use the exhibit at Rock Harbor Auditorium to inspire your creativity.

Regift

Regift new and old possessions. Beyond making art, consider who else in your life or community could make use of your possessions. Explore local bartering and gifting groups.

Recycle

Recycle as a last option. Whether curbside, at a local collection facility, or your employer’s office, recycle as much as possible.

Get Involved

Participate in cleanups in your area. For example, Superior Watershed Partnership hosts beach cleanups in the Upper Peninsula throughout the summer. Your effort makes a difference!