The ocean’s depths remain one of Earth’s greatest unknowns, but as the fish swims—or as the debris sinks—the sea floor is not all that distant. On average, our oceans are just a few miles deep, and thus, not so far from human influence. This study, which took place in the summer of 2025, marked the first time scientists had taken images of the seafloor within the Mar Del Plata Submarine Canyon. They documented approximately 40 species that may be new to science but also some more familiar sights.

Across 10 of the 17 dives with a remotely operated submersible, the researchers saw 29 identifiably manmade objects. The vast majority were plastic, along with a few rubber items. They ranged from fishing gear to plastic bags and food wrappers and even a boot. Some were buried in the sediment, while others were trapped in rocks or still drifting. The researchers observed more litter inside the canyon compared to the surrounding area, suggesting the geography and currents funneled these items into the fissure.

Researchers observed that some animals also interacted with the waste. Mobile creatures like crustaceans had transient interactions, while more stationary creatures—like starfish and corals—had attached to some debris, often partially subsumed plastic packaging and fishing ropes. Though life was present, the team cautioned that we can’t assume these objects are suitable habitats.

This is not the only time scientists have found traces of our trash so far below the surface. Just a few months before the expeditions in the Mar Del Plata Submarine Canyon, a plastic bag was found in the Mariana Trench, the planet’s deepest fissure. The sinking of organic material is essential to life beyond the reaches of sunlight, but this new study adds to emerging evidence that nutrients aren’t the only matter pulled to the ocean floor.

To read the full article published in PLOS One, visit: https://plos.io/3UwaXhS