Chloe Zhang
Marine plastic waste is a pressing environmental concern, with an estimated 8 million tonnes of plastic entering the oceans each year. This plastic waste poses a significant threat to marine life, including seals, which can become entangled in plastic debris or ingest plastic particles, often with fatal consequences. While it is challenging to determine the exact number of seals killed by plastic pollution, it is estimated that plastic pollution kills 100,000 marine mammals annually. This paragraph will explore the impact of plastic pollution on seals and the efforts to mitigate this issue.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| How many seals die from plastic | It is difficult to know the exact number of seals that die from plastic pollution. However, it is estimated that plastic kills 100,000 marine mammals each year. |
| Types of plastic that harm seals | Microplastics, derelict fishing gear, plastic bags, packing bands, and other plastic debris. |
| How plastic harms seals | Seals can become entangled in plastic, which can cause injuries and drowning. They can also ingest plastic, which can puncture their stomach lining and lead to starvation and death. |
| Regions affected by seal deaths from plastic | The Northwestern Hawaiian Islands, the Gulf of Saint Lawrence, Scotland, the Western Cape coastline in Africa, and other coastal regions. |
| Efforts to reduce plastic harm to seals | Marine debris cleanup efforts, such as the Papahānaumokuākea Marine Debris Project, have successfully reduced seal entanglement and improved habitats. Other efforts include advocating for reusable alternatives, reducing single-use plastics, and public education. |
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What You'll Learn
Plastic ingestion by seals
Plastic ingestion is a significant threat to seals and other marine animals. While it is difficult to determine the exact number of marine animals killed by plastic pollution, it is estimated that plastic kills 100,000 marine mammals annually. Of the 123 marine mammal species, 81 have been found to ingest or become entangled in plastic, including seals.
Seals are known to ingest plastic, and while it is rare, it can have fatal consequences. In 2018, a harp seal pup was found dead with a small piece of plastic in its stomach, which had clogged its intestines and likely contributed to its death. This incident highlights the pervasiveness of plastic pollution, even in remote locations like the Arctic, where harp seals typically reside.
Seals are not the only species of marine animals affected by plastic ingestion. Sea lions, sea turtles, seabirds, whales, and other gilled marine animals are also at risk. The ingestion of plastic can lead to internal injuries, intestinal blockage, and starvation. For example, sea turtles may mistake plastic bags for jellyfish or plastic pellets for fish eggs, leading to choking or a false sense of fullness that results in starvation.
Additionally, the presence of microplastics in the ocean is a growing concern. Microplastics, defined as tiny pieces of plastic between 0.3 and 5 millimeters in diameter, have been found in the feces of seals that feed on whole fish. This demonstrates how plastic contamination can move up the food chain, affecting not only marine animals but also humans who consume seafood. The long-lived toxins that adhere to microplastics can cause endocrine disruption and alterations to the immune system, posing a significant threat to both animal and human health.
While plastic ingestion in seals may not be a conservation issue, it is a tragedy for individual animals. The pervasive nature of plastic pollution in our oceans highlights the urgent need to address this global crisis and protect marine life from the deadly consequences of human negligence.
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Entanglement in fishing nets
While it is difficult to know the exact number of seals that die from plastic, entanglement in plastic fishing nets is a significant cause of death for seals and other marine animals. Marine debris, including derelict fishing gear, nets, and plastic packing straps, poses a serious threat to marine life, with some estimates suggesting millions of animals worldwide fall victim to entanglement each year.
Seals, in particular, are vulnerable to entanglement in fishing nets. Hawaiian monk seals, for example, have been found entangled in derelict fishing gear and other plastics since the early 1980s. Field biologists working in the remote Northwestern Hawaiian Islands have led efforts to document and remove debris from entangled seals, and clean up dangerous plastic garbage on beaches. These efforts have resulted in a substantial reduction in seal entanglement, with declines observed at many sites.
The juvenile male fur seal entanglement rate has been estimated at less than one percent annually for juvenile seals observed on the Pribilof Islands. However, this rate does not account for seals that become entangled at sea and are unable to return to their breeding grounds. Adult females and juvenile males are at a higher risk of entanglement due to their smaller size, and entangled lactating females often die at sea, leading to lower survival rates for their pups.
Northern fur seals are also at risk of entanglement in commercial fishing debris, primarily trawl net webbing, during their winter and spring migrations in the North Pacific. Steller sea lions, another type of pinniped, have been observed with plastic packing straps and fishing nets around their necks, causing injury and death.
Overall, entanglement in fishing nets is a significant issue for seals and other marine life, and efforts to reduce marine debris and clean up plastic pollution are crucial for mitigating these risks.
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Entanglement in plastic bags
While it is challenging to determine the exact number of seals killed by plastic pollution, entanglement in plastic bags and other plastic debris is a significant cause of death for seals and other marine animals.
Plastic bags, fishing nets, lines, and lures are among the most common plastic items that ensnare seals. The strong and durable nature of plastic makes it difficult for seals to break free, leading to lethal consequences. Entanglement can cause injuries, restrict movement, and make it difficult for seals to surface for air, resulting in drowning.
In the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands, field biologists have been working since the early 1980s to address the issue of Hawaiian monk seals becoming entangled in plastic debris, primarily derelict fishing gear. This issue is not limited to Hawaiian monk seals; other seal species, such as the New Zealand fur seal, are also frequently entangled in discarded netting and plastic bags.
Large-scale debris removal efforts, such as the Papahānaumokuākea Marine Debris Project, have been successful in reducing seal entanglement rates. These projects have removed hundreds of metric tons of plastic pollution from the oceans, benefiting not only seals but also other marine life that share their habitats, such as corals, fish, and sea turtles.
To address the issue of entanglement in plastic bags, it is essential to reduce plastic consumption and properly dispose of plastic waste. The use of alternative materials, recycling, and participation in beach clean-up projects can help mitigate the impact of plastic pollution on seal populations and other marine life.
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Entanglement in packing bands
While it is difficult to know the exact number of seals that die from plastic entanglement, it is estimated that plastic pollution kills 100,000 marine mammals annually. Seals are known to get entangled in plastic fishing gear, nets, lines, and lures, often resulting in lethal injuries and drowning. This is a serious threat to endangered seals, such as the Hawaiian monk seal, and other species that share their marine habitats, including corals, fish, and sea turtles.
In 2010, an estimated 17 billion pounds of plastic entered the ocean, with a significant portion ending up in Alaska's waters and shores. The slow degradation of plastic fishing gear and other plastics contributes to the problem, as they break into smaller fragments that affect all parts of the ecosystem. Seals and sea lions in Alaska are particularly vulnerable to ingesting fishing gear or getting entangled in marine debris, leading to unnecessary suffering and death.
To address this issue, organizations like the Alaska Pinniped Entanglement Group have been working to educate the public about marine debris and pinniped entanglement in the region. Similar efforts have been made in the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands, where a multi-agency program led by NOAA successfully removed hundreds of metric tons of plastic debris from 1999 until the early 2020s. These cleanup programs have significantly reduced seal entanglement rates, with a 71% decline observed at Pearl and Hermes Reef (Manawai).
Despite these efforts, marine debris continues to be a problem, with more than 50 metric tons of plastic derelict fishing gear estimated to be deposited in the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands annually. The accumulation of plastic in the ocean poses a persistent threat to seals and other marine life, highlighting the importance of ongoing cleanup programs and the need to reduce plastic pollution at its source.
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Ocean plastic concentration in Hawaii
While it is difficult to know the exact number, it is estimated that plastic pollution kills 100,000 marine mammals each year. Marine animals often mistake plastic debris for food, causing them to ingest toxic contaminants. Plastic can also entangle marine animals, making it difficult or impossible for them to move or eat, leading to starvation and drowning.
Hawaii, in particular, faces significant challenges due to its location within the North Pacific Gyre and its proximity to the Great Pacific Garbage Patch, the largest accumulation of ocean plastic globally. The unique current systems in the region cause a large amount of marine debris to accumulate between Hawaii and California, impacting the local marine species. Kamilo Beach, located on the southeastern tip of Hawaii's Big Island, has been dubbed one of the most plastic-polluted places on Earth.
The Hawaii Wildlife Fund (HWF) estimates that 15-20 tons of marine trash, with 96% being plastic, wash up on Hawaii's shores annually. The Kokua Hawaii Foundation also found that 70% of all ocean plastic waste originates from land sources. The impact of plastic pollution extends beyond the environment, as it also affects the local economy and tourism industry, with cleanup efforts costing billions of dollars annually.
Plastic consumption has reached unsustainable levels globally, with approximately 300 million tons of plastic waste generated each year, and up to 11 million tons ending up in our oceans. While laws and treaties, such as the Marine Plastic Pollution Research and Control Act (MARPOL), have been enacted to restrict plastic dumping, the problem persists due to enforcement challenges and the durability of plastic materials.
To address the issue of ocean plastic concentration in Hawaii, it is crucial to reduce plastic consumption and promote reusable alternatives. Individuals can make a difference by opting for plastic-free products, reusing single-use plastics, and supporting organizations dedicated to ocean cleanup and conservation efforts. By working together, we can minimize the impact of plastic pollution on marine life and ecosystems in Hawaii and beyond.
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Frequently asked questions
Seals can die from plastic ingestion, which can puncture the lining of their stomachs, leading to starvation. They can also become entangled in plastic-based fishing gear, causing lethal injuries or drowning.
Plastic ingestion in seals is rare. Seals are intelligent animals that can distinguish between plastic and prey. However, plastic pollution can still be deadly for them, especially when it clogs their intestines.
Around 8 million tonnes of plastic enter the oceans annually, with 640,000 tonnes being ghost fishing equipment. This equipment, abandoned or lost by ships, continues to entangle marine creatures.
Hawaiian monk seals have been found entangled in derelict fishing gear and other plastics, resulting in lethal injuries and drowning. However, debris removal efforts have reduced entanglement rates, saving the lives of these endangered seals.
Efforts to address plastic pollution include beach clean-ups, the creation of degradable plastics, and campaigns encouraging the use of alternative materials and recycling. Some organizations, like the Hout Bay Seal Rescue Centre, focus on rescuing and rehabilitating seals affected by plastic pollution.
