An Integrated Observing System for Monitoring Marine Debris and Biodiversity

Maximenko et al discuss the integration of observing system for monitoring marine debris and biodiversity. Wood, pumice, drifting kelp, and other natural marine debris have long played important roles in marine ecosystems. Collecting comprehensive observations of marine debris and marine life in the pelagic ocean is tremendously difficult. Pelagic ecosystems contain diverse species, each having its own life cycle and each responding differently to changing environmental conditions. Interactions among species produce an even larger number of monitoring and research challenges. The complexity of marine debris composition and associated biological communities, as well as the diversity of tools and methods available to monitor and observe them, require coordinated approaches that harmonize regional efforts intoaglobal system without losingthecol-lection of any important indicators.