Indefinite

Indefinite shows plastic objects, presented unwashed and unaltered, as they were found on the shore.

The forms and shapes might seem reminiscent of sea creatures, but are actually man-made from different plastics. As they gradually break down into microplastic particles, they are likely to be eaten by fish and birds.

Based on information sources from 2010, the images are captioned with the estimated time it takes for discarded plastics to degrade in the sea.

Barker says, ‘Since this series was created, new research by polymer scientists has found that, unless burned, all the plastic ever produced is still with us on the planet and is merely fragmenting into ever smaller pieces. We should now regard the degradation time for marine plastics to be indefinite.’

To hear more about this series from Barker listen here:

1 year, or indefinite?

Nylon Rope Rope can become entangled around the necks and beaks of curious animals, causing death as they grow larger ...
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1 – 3 YEARS, OR INDEFINITE?

Plastic Bag A person uses a plastic bag for an average of 12 minutes before disposal. When a bag enters ...
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1 – 5 YEARS, OR INDEFINITE?

Clothing and material Swallowing marine litter mistaken for food can damage the digestive tract of marine animals and also result ...
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10 – 20 YEARS, OR INDEFINITE?

Plastic Bag Seams Almost half of all marine mammal species including seals, whales and porpoises have been found dead from ...
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30 – 40 YEARS, OR INDEFINITE?

Nylon Tangled giant underwater balls of nylon rope, netting and other plastic debris, sometimes weighing up to one ton roll ...
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30 YEARS, OR INDEFINITE?

PVC Corals are destroyed when discarded fishing equipment, such as overalls, gloves, damaged lobster pots and nets drag along the ...
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400 YEARS, OR INDEFINITE?

Plastics - Mixed Plastic never biodegrades, it merely breaks down into smaller fragments. These microplastic particles and fibres are found ...
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450 YEARS, OR INDEFINITE?

Plastic Bottle 90% of marine rubbish found on coastlines worldwide is related to single-use plastics; bottles, tops, straws, food packaging ...
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600 YEARS, OR INDEFINITE?

Monofilament and macrofilament fishing line Fishing line affects the mobility of aquatic animals, once entangled they struggle to eat, breathe ...
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INDEFINITE

Polystyrene  The most significant and alarming offender to impact on marine life. When released into the environment it will never ...
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