This powerful artwork confronts the profound environmental impact of human negligence on our oceans. At its core, tangled ghost nets and washed-up ropes symbolize the invisible traps that ensnare marine life like stingrays and bottom feeders, turning the seabed into a hazardous prison. Toxic and political wastes weave into the composition, representing the layered dimensions of pollution — from careless disposal to systemic inaction. The imagery of marine creatures burdened and scooping along on debris illustrates how our plastic consumption has permeated the very food chain, leading to a worldwide epidemic of suffering and extinction threats. Scattered fragments of garbage patches and discarded refuse emphasize the pressing need for cleanup and education, urging viewers to recognize their role in this crisis and act to protect the planet. Through vivid symbolism, "The Hitch Hiker" calls for urgent awareness and collective responsibility to restore the health of our waterways and safeguard marine life for generations to come.