A Bermuda Marine Debris Taskforce has been set up to fight back against growing plastic pollution in the ocean.According to Anne Hyde, the executive director of environmental charity Keep Bermuda Beautiful (KBB), more and more plastic debris is washing ashore, particularly during passing storms.“Most of the plastic has floated here from other countries, but not all. Some plastics washing ashore are of local origin.“Careless littering at the beach or when boating or fishing contributes to the local burden of debris,” she said.Ms Hyde said most people are not aware of how long it takes for plastics to degrade underwater without the sun to help break them down. A styrofoam cup could take 50 years to break down into small pieces, but plastics never fully go away, she told Hamilton Rotarians this week.These small plastic pieces act like sponges and absorb other harmful chemicals. Fish then eat the plastics, allowing them to get into the food chain.Each September hundreds of volunteers participate in KBB’s Island-wide marine clean-up and find large plastic barrels, crates, buckets, flip-flops and other small articles to dispose of. But more has to be done to raise public awareness of the problem, said Ms Hyde.The Taskforce includes members from KBB, Greenrock, Bermuda National Trust, Bermuda Institute for Ocean Sciences, Bermuda Aquarium, Museum and Zoo and the Department of Conservation Services.Marine biologist Robbie Smith said it was set up to promote awareness of the impact of plastic debris on the environment and marine life.The Taskforce is also charged with assessing the quantity of marine debris on the coastline and beaches and developing advocacy initiatives to reduce the Island’s contribution to the problem.So far, with the help of visiting ocean surveyors and student groups, it has conducted surveys of six beaches including Elbow, Gray Bay, Bailey’s Bay, John Smith’s, Whalebone Bay and Well Bay, said Dr Smith.The task force also has bimonthly meetings to coordinate future efforts.For more information or to take part in an upcoming beach survey or clean-up call KBB on 295-5142. Visit the Bermuda Marine Debris Taskforce’s Facebook page at:– www.facebook.com/BermudaTaskforce.