biodegradable - capable of being broken down into smaller pieces by natural forces.

degrade - to break down into small pieces by natural forces.

endangered species - a species that is in danger of becoming extinct.

flammable - able to catch fire or ignite.

flotsam - any wreckage or cargo that remains afloat after a ship has sunk; any discarded odds and ends found in the ocean.

habitat - the area in which a plant or animal naturally lives, grows and reproduces; that provides adequate food, water, shelter and living space.

hazard - a danger; peril; risk.

jetsam - cargo or equipment thrown overboard; discarded cargo or equipment found washed ashore.

marine debris - any man-made object discarded, disposed of, or abandoned that enters the coastal or marine environment.

marine protected area - an area of ocean or coastline that has been designated as a protected area or preserve for marine life.

municipal waste - trash that is generated by the people of a city or town.

munitions - war material, especially weapons and ammunition.

per capita - per person.

pollute - to make dirty; to contaminate.

prevent - to hinder or stop an event or process.

recycling - the reprocessing of materials to be used again in a similar or different form.

trash - things that have been made and used by humans, which were then discarded.

Glossary definitions obtained from NOAA Marine Debris Program: "Glossary of Terms," at http://marinedebris.noaa.gov/glossary/welcome.html or from The American Heritage Dictionary of The English Language. William Morris, ed. Houghton Mifflin Co., Boston. 1981.