UK-based artist Steve McPherson has been collecting objects from beaches of the North Kent Coast of the UK for 15 years.

He collected and collated his findings by type or color, which have been worn by wave, bleached by sun, or scarred with unknown histories.

Although these works are aesthetically beautiful, they point out the concerning of the plastics being profusion in our environment.

Marine plastic is a special threat because it does not fully degrade, instead breaking down into smaller and smaller pieces called microplastics.

Ocean dwellers, such as sea turtles and fish, can mistake the debris for food, leading to digestive issues and starvation.

It’s important to be aware of the challenges facing our oceans, and to get involved in marine conservation efforts.