Final answer:
The claim that marine debris mostly originates from oceangoing ships is false. Significant portions of debris come from various other sources, including land-based trash entering waterways. Container ships do contribute to marine pollution, but they are not the predominant source.
Step-by-step explanation:
The statement that marine debris mostly originates from oceangoing ships is false. Although marine transportation, such as container ships, tankers, and bulkers, does contribute to ocean pollution, a significant portion of marine debris comes from other sources. This pollution includes trash from shipping accidents, landfill erosion, or direct dumping. Marine debris can be dangerous to aquatic wildlife, leading to ingestion and entanglement, with severe consequences.
Container ships have been found to discharge a smaller volume of ballast water (BW) per event, and often discharge at multiple ports. However, the reference suggests that debris and invasive species may be spread by ships, not that they are the primary source. It is notable that aquatic debris not only originates from vessels but also from land-based sources, like improperly disposed of trash that makes its way into waterways, ultimately accumulating in ocean gyres such as the Great Pacific Gyre.