International scientists conservatively estimated there is more than 5.25 trillion plastic particles, weighing nearly 269,000 tonnes, floating on the surface of the world’s oceans, most smaller than grains of rice.

By weight, the largest source comes from discarded fishing nets but “everything you can imagine made of plastic” was found afloat.

Plastic in our oceans is disastrous to the planet’s marine life, including Australia’s protected species of birds, sharks, turtles and marine mammals. It causes injury or death through entanglement, drowning and internal injuries or starvation following ingestion.

A clean-up of the oceans has now been deemed “impossible” – there is just too much and to clear the ocean of tiny plastic would also clear of good organisms, such as algae.

It is why the work of collaborative groups such as the council’s Marine Debris Working Group is so important.

Despite the extent of the pollution, scientists are optimistic that if people stop adding to the problem with throw-away plastics, the oceans could clean themselves.

If this isn’t a call to action, I don’t know what is.

The problem begins at home, where people should consider organic alternatives to household detergents and cleaners, choose reusable items and use fewer disposables and properly dispose of those which cannot be recycled.

If you see rubbish on the path, street or beach, pick it up if you can to keep our stormwater drains, which empty into the ocean, clear.

Reducing consumption, re-using items, recycling and responding by picking up rubbish, are simple acts which, if followed by all, would leave our planet in a much better position.

Coastal communities are the greatest contributors to marine debris and while it is easy to ignore an ill which you cannot see, this is an issue that should be at the forefront of everybody’s mind.