Polluting the ocean

It appears there is a lot of garbage dumped into the ocean each year...over 14 billion pounds.
Here is a source that gives a general idea of the scale of the problem we have created.
The "Great Pacific Ocean Garbage Patch" is being creating by ocean currents Source: http://science.howstuffworks.com/great-pacific-garbage-patch.htm

"According to the U.S . Coast Guard, recreational boaters dump an average of more than one pound of trash into the ocean every time they go out. Trash is also dumped into the ocean by military, cruise and merchant ships. Merchant ships generate almost 90 percent of all wastes found in the world's oceans. Every day, the world's fleet discards 5.5 million containers, including plastics, into the sea. Not all marine debris is generated by boats and ships. Coastal sewage systems account for at least 1% of ocean debris.

"Every year approximately 14 billion pounds of tires, cardboard boxes, plastic cups, bottles, cans, and other trash are dumped into the ocean. Some of this trash sinks, and some of it is eatenby ocean creatures. Most of this trash, especially plastic, floats and eventually this floating refuse, carried by ocean currents and waves washes up on beaches. Even in remote areas like Antarctica, researchers have found plastic bottles, bags, and sheeting washed ashore . Almost all of this trash can create problems for wildlife and people. The plastics, which can persist indefinitely, can be especially harmful.