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China Estimates 93 Million Debris Pieces in South China Sea

3/26/2026

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Summary

Story summary

China's Ministry of Ecology and Environment estimates about 93 million debris pieces in the South China Sea.
The figure relies on data from 26 monitoring stations across the region, collected last May–June.
The study used satellite remote sensing and fixed-ship monitoring to gather observations.
It found 26.5 debris pieces per square kilometer and microplastics at 0.67 per cubic meter, with the western area the most concentrated.

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Story summary

China's Ministry of Ecology and Environment estimates about 93 million debris pieces in the South China Sea.
The figure relies on data from 26 monitoring stations across the region, collected last May–June.
The study used satellite remote sensing and fixed-ship monitoring to gather observations.
It found 26.5 debris pieces per square kilometer and microplastics at 0.67 per cubic meter, with the western area the most concentrated.