That is the first I have heard of swirling masses of garbage the size of Texas. Where is the media out rage? Too busy covering Paris Hilton and other IMPORTANT events like basketball teams being offended by a shock jock.
Maybe when the oceans eco system collapses completely, the coast lines become uninhabitable and the only thing left alive is cynobacteria, algae, jellyfish and other such nasties people as a whole with start to notice. Sadly it will probably result in a lot of finger pointing, "why weren't we told sooner" and then back to business as usual.
Even if all pollution was stopped now the ocean would not revert back to its state 300 years ago. Sure nature would adapt to create the balance it needs but with different creatures.
Then again maybe future generations will oh and ah over videos of 40 foot Lawnmower Blennies in the giant Pacific algae beds.