Tracing the Sources of Ocean Plastic

We know plastic arrives at beaches around the world, but it is difficult to determine the source of that plastic, unless it is clearly from a local source (like litter, urban runoff, or a local or regional river or stream. This experimental, interactive map attempts to identify the source of that plastic by following ocean currents backwards. Please recognize that currents vary from day-to-day and the tracing is only an indication of the route the plastic might have followed to reach the location you have chosen.

Directions: Choose a starting date and time. Number of days to trace backwards. How wide you want the buffer to be (in kilometers), then search for your location or navigate to that location on the map. Click on the black icon next to the red trash can to activate it, then click the location in the water you want to trace. Scroll down in the box and click on "run." It might take a few minutes to process. Be patient.