Plastic pollution in the North Atlantic Subtropical Gyre is a significant environmental issue. A study from 1986 to 2008 found that over 60% of surface plankton net tows collected buoyant plastic pieces, with the highest concentrations observed in subtropical latitudes, associated with surface current convergence. Despite increased plastic production and disposal, no trend in plastic concentration was observed in the region of highest accumulation. Plastics, due to their durability and slow degradation, persist in the ocean, causing environmental impacts such as entanglement, ingestion by marine life, and transport of contaminants. The study analyzed 22 years of data from over 7000 undergraduate students and faculty, revealing that 62% of net tows contained detectable plastic. The highest concentrations were between 22 and 38°N, with a single tow collecting 1069 pieces. The region of highest plastic concentration is linked to the subtropical convergence zone, where surface currents converge, acting as a tracer for large-scale ocean currents. Drifter data showed that plastic debris likely originates from the subtropical western North Atlantic. While no strong temporal trends were observed, the study suggests an increase in land-based plastic input. The analysis also indicates that plastic debris may be transported by ocean currents, with a long residence time in the gyre. Possible sinks for plastic include fragmentation, sedimentation, and ingestion by marine organisms. The study highlights the need for better understanding of plastic sources and sinks, and provides a baseline for future monitoring efforts. The findings show that plastic debris accumulates in the subtropical convergence zone, acting as a passive tracer of ocean circulation.Plastic pollution in the North Atlantic Subtropical Gyre is a significant environmental issue. A study from 1986 to 2008 found that over 60% of surface plankton net tows collected buoyant plastic pieces, with the highest concentrations observed in subtropical latitudes, associated with surface current convergence. Despite increased plastic production and disposal, no trend in plastic concentration was observed in the region of highest accumulation. Plastics, due to their durability and slow degradation, persist in the ocean, causing environmental impacts such as entanglement, ingestion by marine life, and transport of contaminants. The study analyzed 22 years of data from over 7000 undergraduate students and faculty, revealing that 62% of net tows contained detectable plastic. The highest concentrations were between 22 and 38°N, with a single tow collecting 1069 pieces. The region of highest plastic concentration is linked to the subtropical convergence zone, where surface currents converge, acting as a tracer for large-scale ocean currents. Drifter data showed that plastic debris likely originates from the subtropical western North Atlantic. While no strong temporal trends were observed, the study suggests an increase in land-based plastic input. The analysis also indicates that plastic debris may be transported by ocean currents, with a long residence time in the gyre. Possible sinks for plastic include fragmentation, sedimentation, and ingestion by marine organisms. The study highlights the need for better understanding of plastic sources and sinks, and provides a baseline for future monitoring efforts. The findings show that plastic debris accumulates in the subtropical convergence zone, acting as a passive tracer of ocean circulation.