Deep-Sea Litter Discovered in Argentina’s Mar del Plata Submarine Canyon

A research team from Argentina’s Museo Argentino de Ciencias Naturales and the Deep Sea Studies Group of Argentina (GEMPA) deployed a remotely operated vehicle (ROV) capable of reaching 4,500 m (nearly three miles) below the surface. The ROV explored the Mar del Plata Submarine Canyon, located roughly 186 mi off the Argentine coastline, and mapped debris on the seafloor. Items recorded included plastic sheets, bags, food wrappers, fishing gear, and a solitary boot.

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Submarine canyons are steep underwater valleys that support high biodiversity and act as conduits for material from the continental shelf to the deep ocean. Ocean currents can transport waste far from its source, allowing surface-origin litter to accumulate in these remote habitats.

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Researchers also noted marine organisms colonizing the discarded objects, raising the possibility that litter could become artificial habitats and alter deep-sea ecosystems.

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Lead researcher Daniel Lauretta emphasized caution in interpreting the modest debris load as evidence that the canyon is unaffected. Co-author Diego Urteaga highlighted that the litter appears consistent with waste generated by offshore vessels, particularly fishing operations. Sian Sutherland, co-founder of the nonprofit A Plastic Planet, described the discovery as proof that there is no “away” for plastic, stressing the need for sustainable alternatives to curb ocean pollution. The team plans additional surveys of Argentine canyons to establish baseline data for future monitoring.

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• “The most surprising thing is that objects associated with our everyday activities can be found at such depths,” — Co-author Diego Urteaga

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• “The relatively low amount of litter we observed compared with some other submarine canyons is certainly an important finding. However, we would be cautious about interpreting it simply as evidence that the canyon is unaffected or that there is no reason for concern,” — Daniel Lauretta, lead researcher

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• “We are still discovering how these deep-sea ecosystems function and how many species live there, yet traces of our activities are already reaching these environments,” — Co-author Diego Urteaga

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