Coastal species are forming colonies on plastic trash in the ocean, study finds

Termed neopelagic communities", these colonies are thriving in the Great Pacific Garbage Patch and going where the current flows

Masses of ocean plastic are providing artificial habitat for otherwise coastal species, according to a new study published in the peer-reviewed journal, Nature Communications.

The study's authors observed floating water bottles, old toothbrushes and matted fishing nets. The possibility exists that species may be evolving to better adapt to life on plastic.