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What are Flotsam and Jetsam?

Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

Flotsam, jetsam, and rarely-heard-from lagan are special types of marine debris which originate on ships. Although many people have forgotten the distinction between these terms, the definitions of flotsam, jetsam, and lagan are carefully spelled out in maritime law, as the rules of salvage apply to these types of debris. People more generally use the phrase “flotsam and jetsam” to describe errata and miscellaneous items, usually with the implication that the items have no value.

When material is washed overboard or lost in a shipwreck, it is known as flotsam. Flotsam has been lost, in other words, involuntarily. Jetsam, on the other hand, is cargo which has been deliberately thrown off or jettisoned, a not uncommon practice in the days of sail when people would discard cargo to lighten a ship. Lagan, sometimes called ligan, is cargo which is jettisoned with a marker indicating that the owner plans to return to retrieve it.

Intermodal containers are occasionally washed off the decks of cargo ships.
Intermodal containers are occasionally washed off the decks of cargo ships.

As a general rule, flotsam and jetsam can be freely collected and salvaged by anyone, although if a shipping company puts in a claim, a salvager may be forced to forfeit the material. Lagan, on the other hand, is the property of the shipping company, and people may not salvage it. If a company wants to abandon cargo or a ship without the intent of recovery, it is designated a derelict by being left without a marker. Sometimes, derelict ships can be repaired and refurbished by people with the time and money to do so.

Items lost in a shipwreck are considered flotsam.
Items lost in a shipwreck are considered flotsam.

Flotsam and jetsam often wash up on shore, since ocean currents tend to push things towards the shoreline. Some researchers actually specialize in collecting ocean debris from shorelines all over the world to keep track of the kind of objects floating in the ocean, and the paths taken by ocean debris after it enters the water. Some beachcombers enjoy seeking out flotsam and jetsam for collections of objects or salvaged material which will be later sold.

Small pieces of flotsam and jetsam are sometimes salvaged by beachcombers.
Small pieces of flotsam and jetsam are sometimes salvaged by beachcombers.

In the sense of “miscellaneous items,” the term “flotsam and jetsam” has been used since the mid-1800s. In the 1900s, people also began to use the term to refer to discarded and forgotten humanity, such as homeless people inhabiting an urban core. In fact, real flotsam and jetsam can sometimes be quite valuable, as evidenced by the profits raked in by salvage companies and the high-powered lawsuits which sometimes surround competing claims over flotsam and jetsam.

Frequently Asked Questions

What exactly are flotsam and jetsam?

Floatsam and jetsam has been used to describe homeless people.
Floatsam and jetsam has been used to describe homeless people.

Flotsam refers to debris that naturally floats away from shipwrecks or accidents at sea, without being deliberately thrown overboard. Jetsam, on the other hand, describes items that are intentionally discarded from a ship to lighten the load in an emergency. Both can impact marine ecosystems and navigation safety.

How do flotsam and jetsam affect marine life?

Marine creatures can mistake flotsam and jetsam for food, leading to ingestion of harmful materials. Entanglement is also a risk, which can result in injury or death. Additionally, these materials can transport invasive species to new areas, disrupting local ecosystems and biodiversity, as noted by marine conservation organizations.

Are there laws regulating the disposal of flotsam and jetsam?

International maritime law, particularly the International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships (MARPOL), regulates the disposal of waste at sea. It prohibits the deliberate discarding of most types of garbage, including jetsam, from ships, with strict penalties for non-compliance to protect the marine environment.

Can flotsam and jetsam be valuable?

Occasionally, flotsam can be of historical or monetary value, such as remnants from historic shipwrecks or lost cargo. Jetsam may include valuable goods jettisoned in emergencies. Salvage laws sometimes allow finders to claim ownership or receive compensation for recovering such items, though this varies by jurisdiction.

What is the difference between flotsam, jetsam, lagan, and derelict?

While flotsam and jetsam are related to maritime debris, lagan refers to goods cast overboard that are heavy enough to sink but are marked with buoys for later recovery. Derelict is used to describe property, such as ships, that have been abandoned without hope or intention of recovery.

How can individuals help reduce flotsam and jetsam?

Individuals can help by participating in beach cleanups, reducing their own use of plastics, and supporting policies that enforce responsible maritime practices. Educating others about the impact of marine debris and advocating for stronger regulations on waste disposal at sea are also effective ways to contribute to the reduction of flotsam and jetsam.

Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a AllThingsNature researcher and writer. Mary has a liberal arts degree from Goddard College and spends her free time reading, cooking, and exploring the great outdoors.

Learn more...
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a AllThingsNature researcher and writer. Mary has a liberal arts degree from Goddard College and spends her free time reading, cooking, and exploring the great outdoors.

Learn more...

Discussion Comments

everetra

@NathanG - I am more familiar with the literal usage of the term. For example, I think of empty soda bottles and things like that out on the waves of the ocean.

I suppose these items would qualify, although I think that the article is referring to items of greater importance.

I like watching television shows where explorers go deep sea diving to look for the areas where they think a ship has been wrecked. Sometimes they stumble upon a treasure; the ship itself, or parts of its oars or masts or other parts of jetsam and flotsam.

This is the stuff of treasure hunting, and it’s always thrilling to watch. If I understand the article correctly, I guess these discoveries would belong to the explorers, unless the government made a direct claim on the wreckage.

NathanG

I am familiar with the flotsam and jetsam definition as it’s been used in a more metaphoric sense, not only to describe homeless people, but other people who seemingly lead lives without a purpose.

In other words, it's the froth of a meaningless existence. People will talk about the flotsam and jetsam of our material things, to suggest that these are things without any real value, just floating along aimlessly out on the ocean of life.

I kind of like that usage of the word, as sad as its implications may be. I can’t say that I’ve had much experience with literal flotsam and jetsam. I usually just ignore it when I see it.

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    • Intermodal containers are occasionally washed off the decks of cargo ships.
      By: Binkski
      Intermodal containers are occasionally washed off the decks of cargo ships.
    • Items lost in a shipwreck are considered flotsam.
      By: savolainenk
      Items lost in a shipwreck are considered flotsam.
    • Small pieces of flotsam and jetsam are sometimes salvaged by beachcombers.
      By: Jean-Michel LECLERCQ
      Small pieces of flotsam and jetsam are sometimes salvaged by beachcombers.
    • Floatsam and jetsam has been used to describe homeless people.
      By: Lisa F. Young
      Floatsam and jetsam has been used to describe homeless people.