We have probably all heard the phrase “flotsam & jetsam” at one time or another. Some use the term to describe odds & ends, or leftover bits. Others may recall that those were the names of the Sea Witch’s pets in the Disney version of ‘The Little Mermaid’.

However, according to the National Ocean Service, the two terms are not interchangeable; they describe two distinct types of marine debris, both man-made.

Flotsam refers to debris in the water which ended up there by accident; for example, cargo or parts of a vessel that ended up in the sea as a result of a shipwreck. The word comes from the French ‘floter’ (to float).

Jetsam, on the other hand, describes debris that was deliberately thrown overboard. It may be trash or, even items of value, like cargo, which were deliberately pitched overboard by the crew of a vessel in distress, in order to lighten the load and save the ship. ‘Jetsam’ is a shortened form of the word ‘jettison’.

The distinction between the two types of debris is important under maritime law. Since flotsam was not deliberately placed in the water, it can be reclaimed by the original owner when/if found. Jetsam, on the other hand, is considered to be the property of the finder. Occasionally it still has value and can be sold for profit.

Sadly, the majority of the flotsam & jetsam that covers beaches and drifts in the ocean comes from storm drains, sewers, and shoreline recreational activities. It poses a danger to both property and wildlife.

More Info: oceanservice.noaa.gov