Can someonedebris from the west coast of the u. s. often collects in the great pacific garbage patch. what are the most likely impacts to marine life in this area? the plastic decreases the ph of the water, causing changes to the food web. organisms here are less likely to get tangled in plastic. organisms along the shore are more likely to eat the plastics that gather near shorelines and clog waterways. microplastics contain harmful chemicals that can accumulate in the food chain.