Photographing Ocean Trash Transformed by Time at Sea

Photographing Ocean Trash Transformed by Time at Sea

Hi friends,

Days of heavy rains and surging tides brought an influx of marine debris to Da Nang’s beaches in recent days. Normally I dislike seeing pollution and waste wash up. But ambling along the shore after storms passed, I was transfixed by the unexpectedly beautiful degradation many plastic items had undergone after prolonged exposure to sun, salt, and sea life. Capturing photos, I marveled at how time at sea morphs and reclaims human clutter.

Along high tide lines, various discarded plastics glinted among the seaweed and driftwood swarming with tiny shelled creatures. Once-bright buckets and water bottles had faded under years of UV radiation, resembling weathered stone textures and abstract art. Pieces of old nets entangled with peeling Styrofoam took on rich hues from marine algae colonization.

A puffy bundle of nylon rope had transformed into a perfect nesting nook for dozens of delicate seashells.

I was struck by how fully nature had repurposed these synthetic objects. Their former function hardly mattered; they for now however embraced by the ocean.

Even mundane items like lonely rubber slippers or a child’s tiny plastic fork had nobility given proper context.

I pictured these castoff vestiges journeying hundreds of miles clinging to driftwood. Enduring storms, nibbling fish, brine and boredom must alter your worldview! Finally beached, were they mournful at dreams denied or proud of their stoicism? Fun to anthropomorphize!

Rubbish or not, the spectacle of so much timeworn ocean plastic prompted contemplation about impermanence. Their very existence posed philosophical questions. We leave more behind than we consider. But nothing is ever fully lost at sea; the waters have patience and plans.

Anyways thanks for taking time to look at my photos and hearing me ramble away about discarded things washed upon the shore. I hope you have a great day.