For many years, the Mariana Trench — the deepest and most remote part of the world’s oceans — was considered a place untouched by human influence. Scientists and explorers imagined a pristine, isolated ecosystem far removed from daily human life. That perception changed dramatically when a single plastic bag was discovered on the Trench’s seafloor. This quiet yet profound discovery sent a clear message: even the most distant and seemingly untouched places on Earth are affected by our choices. It reminded humanity that our actions travel farther than we might ever imagine and that no corner of the planet exists in isolation. The Mariana Trench plunges nearly seven miles below the ocean’s surface, where sunlight cannot reach and the pressure is immense. Yet, life thrives in these extreme conditions. Strange and wondrous creatures inhabit this hidden world — delicate corals, ethereal jellyfish, giant amphipods, and species that exist…
