Sofia Martinez
Plastic waste has become a significant environmental problem, with billions of pounds of plastic in the oceans, on beaches, and in the deepest depths of the ocean. Marine plastic waste is ingested by fish and other marine life, causing injury and death. It is estimated that plastic pollution kills 100,000 marine mammals each year, and it is difficult to know the exact number of fish killed by plastic pollution. While not all fish die when they eat plastic, it is clear that plastic is deadly for many fish species.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Types of plastics that kill fish | Microplastics, plastic pellets, plastic bags, fishing nets, single-use plastics, plastic bottles, plastic cups, synthetic clothing, plastic straws, plastic-wrapped produce |
| How it kills fish | Ingestion, entanglement, intestinal injury, starvation |
| Number of fish killed | It is estimated that plastic pollution kills 100,000 marine mammals every year. |
| Species affected | 81 out of 123 marine mammal species, all seven sea turtle species, 220 animal species including fish, 56% of the planet's whale, dolphin and porpoise species, Hawaiian monk seals, Pacific loggerhead sea turtles, seabirds, sturgeons, cod, haddock, mackerel, shellfish, perch, plankton, sea fleas |
| Impact on humans | Microplastics can cause oxidative stress, cytotoxicity, and translocation to other tissues. They can also release chemical substances and act as carriers of microorganisms. |
| How to reduce plastic waste | Prevent the dumping and spilling of plastic pellets, reduce the use of single-use plastics, bring reusable bags for shopping, use a reusable water bottle, use reusable containers and utensils for food, recycle, participate in beach or community cleanups |
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What You'll Learn
Plastic ingestion by fish
Fish ingest plastic in several ways. One way is by mistaking plastic pellets for food, as these pellets resemble fish eggs. Another way is when plastic is mixed in with their food, or if they eat other fish that have consumed plastic. Fish consume plastic at all levels of the food chain, from plankton to predatory fish. As of 2016, 220 species of animal, including fish, have been found to ingest plastic, a number that has increased by nearly 70% since 1977.
The rate of plastic ingestion by fish is increasing. A study by Stanford ecologists found that over two-thirds of the fish species studied had consumed plastic, with 386 marine fish species ingesting plastic debris, including 210 species of commercial importance. This number has nearly tripled since 2016, and the issue is impacting species unevenly, with some more susceptible to eating plastic. Fish in heavily polluted East Asian waters, for example, showed the highest levels of plastic ingestion. The prevalence of plastic ingestion by marine fish has doubled in the last decade, increasing by 2.4% per year. This is driven by improved detection methods, as well as an increase in plastic consumption by fish.
The ingestion of plastic by marine organisms is a major pathway for plastic through the ecosystem. Plastic debris, including microplastics and microfibers, is widespread in marine environments. Fish in the North Pacific ingest 12,000 to 24,000 tons of plastic each year, causing intestinal injury and death, and transferring plastic up the food chain. A study found that a quarter of fish at markets in California contained plastic in their guts, mostly in the form of plastic microfibers.
While the immediate health risks to humans from consuming these fish are believed to be low, the data available is incomplete, and the long-term effects are still unknown.
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Plastic entanglement
Plastic pollution has become a global crisis, with billions of pounds of plastic in the oceans, on beaches, and even in the deepest depths of the ocean. This plastic waste has a direct and deadly effect on marine wildlife, including fish. One of the ways plastic kills marine life is through entanglement.
Large items of plastic, such as discarded fishing nets, ropes, and six-pack rings, can entangle marine mammals and fish, trapping them and preventing them from escaping. This often leads to starvation, injury, and increased vulnerability to predators. For example, sea turtles can get caught in plastic six-pack rings, which can tighten around their shells and necks. Large marine mammals, such as whales, are particularly vulnerable to entanglement in ghost fishing gear, which includes plastic nets, ropes, and pots that have been abandoned at sea. It is estimated that 300,000 whales, dolphins, and porpoises die each year from ghost gear entanglement.
Smaller animals, such as dolphins, seals, sea lions, and smaller sea turtles, can also become entangled in plastic. Trained professionals from organizations like NOAA Fisheries work to rescue and disentangle these animals. Community members can help by reporting any sightings of entangled animals, providing GPS coordinates, and monitoring the situation from a safe distance until trained responders arrive.
To prevent entanglement, it is crucial to properly dispose of plastic waste and fishing gear and to participate in community clean-up efforts to remove trash from beaches, rivers, and parks, reducing the amount of plastic that can enter the ocean and entangle marine life.
While ingestion of plastic is another significant issue that harms marine life, including fish, this topic focuses specifically on plastic entanglement.
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Microplastics in humans
Plastic waste has become a significant environmental problem, with plastic accumulating in our oceans and on our beaches. This has a direct and deadly effect on wildlife, including fish. Fish eat microplastics when they mistake them for food, when plastic is mixed in with their food, or when they eat other fish that have consumed plastic. This plastic then enters the human food chain.
Microplastics have been detected throughout the human body, including in the blood, saliva, liver, kidneys, brain tissue, reproductive organs, heart, stomach, lymph nodes, placenta, urine, breast milk, semen, and meconium (a newborn's first stool). They are ingested through the consumption of contaminated food and water, and are also inhaled.
The health effects of microplastics on humans are still being studied, and the data available is incomplete. However, microplastics have been linked to illnesses caused by particulate air pollution and workplace exposure to plastic dust. They can also release chemical substances, such as organic and inorganic compounds, and act as carriers of microorganisms. Additives present in microplastics, such as polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDE), bisphenol A (BPA), and potentially toxic elements, can be harmful to humans.
Studies in animals and human cells suggest that microplastics exposure could be linked to cancer, heart attacks, reproductive problems, and other harms. For example, one study found that microplastics-exposed mice exhibited signs of cognitive decline similar to dementia, and another study found that patients with microplastics in their arterial plaque had a higher risk of heart attack, stroke, and death.
While it is difficult to avoid exposure to microplastics, individuals can take steps to reduce their consumption. This includes reducing plastic waste, especially single-use plastics, and avoiding the use of products that contain microplastics, such as cosmetics.
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Plastic waste sources
Plastic waste is a significant environmental problem, with plastic debris causing the ingestion, suffocation, and entanglement of marine species. An estimated 20 million metric tons of plastic waste end up in the environment every year, with 40-80% of marine litter made up of plastic. Rivers are a major source of plastic waste in the oceans, with small urban rivers among the most polluting. The dumping and spilling of plastic pellets, also known as nurdles, are one of the largest sources of microplastics. These pellets are lentil-sized round plastics used to manufacture many products, and they often wind up in waterways.
Single-use plastics are a major contributor to plastic pollution, as they cannot be reused or recycled due to a lack of available technology and recovery markets. Food and beverage packaging, such as chocolate bar wrappers, snack bags, and fast-food containers, are common examples of single-use plastics. Bottle caps are also a significant source of plastic pollution, as marine life often mistakes them for food. Bulk purchases of snacks and food in reusable containers and reduced packaging can help combat this issue.
In addition to rivers and plastic pellets, household, marine, and fishing waste are considered chronic sources of plastic pollution as they represent an almost continuous input. The global trade of plastic products and waste exacerbates the problem, as plastic waste is often sent to locations lacking the infrastructure for safe and environmentally sound management. This disproportionately impacts islands, developing countries, Indigenous peoples, local communities, women, and children.
The durability of plastics contributes to the accumulation of plastic waste in aquatic environments. As plastic breaks down into smaller pieces, it can persist in the marine environment for long periods, affecting marine life at all levels of the food chain. Microplastics have been found in drinking water, seafood, and the gastrointestinal tracts of fish, potentially causing health issues for humans who consume them. While the data is incomplete, microplastics can release chemical substances and act as carriers of microorganisms, with potential toxic effects on human health.
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Plastic waste solutions
Plastic waste has become a significant environmental problem, with plastic accumulating in oceans and on beaches, causing a global crisis. Marine life, including fish, is being overwhelmed by plastics and their associated harmful chemicals. Fish ingest plastic, which can cause intestinal injury and death, and the plastic is transferred up the food chain to larger fish, marine mammals, and humans who consume seafood. Microplastics, which are tiny particles of degraded plastic, are of particular concern as they are more likely to be consumed by fish and other marine organisms.
To address this issue, it is essential to focus on reducing plastic waste and keeping it out of the waste stream. This can be achieved by minimizing the use of single-use plastics and replacing them with reusable alternatives. For example, instead of using plastic grocery bags, plastic wrap, disposable cutlery, straws, and coffee cup lids, individuals can opt for reusable bags, containers, and utensils. Carrying a reusable water bottle is also recommended, as it reduces plastic waste and promotes tap water consumption, which may be a safer choice.
Recycling is another important strategy in the fight against plastic pollution. While recycling alone cannot solve the crisis, it helps reduce the impact of plastic waste. It is crucial to properly sort recyclable materials and check local guidelines to ensure effective recycling. However, reducing plastic consumption is still the preferred option.
Additionally, organizations like The Ocean Cleanup are developing advanced technologies to remove plastic from the oceans and intercept it in rivers. Their goal is to eliminate 90% of floating plastic by using ocean cleanup systems and river interception technologies.
Finally, preventing the dumping and spilling of plastic pellets, also known as nurdles, is crucial. These pellets are a significant source of microplastics and can be mistaken for food by fish. By addressing these issues and working together, we can make a significant impact in reducing plastic waste and protecting marine life, including fish.
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Frequently asked questions
Microplastics are the main type of plastic that kills fish. These are found in drinking water and other foods.
Plastic can kill fish in two main ways: ingestion (eating) or entanglement in plastic-based fishing gear.
Ingesting plastic can cause intestinal injury and death. It can also transfer plastic up the food chain to bigger fish, marine mammals and human seafood eaters.
An estimated 8 million tonnes of plastic enter the oceans every year. It is estimated that 40-80% of marine litter is made up of plastic.
We need to reduce the amount of microplastic entering the environment. This can be done by preventing the dumping and spilling of plastic pellets, reducing our use of single-use plastics, and improving waste management.
