Alexei Volkov
Plastic pollution is a pressing issue that poses a significant threat to marine life. Marine animals, such as whales, dolphins, sea turtles, and birds, are dying due to plastic ingestion or entanglement. It is estimated that over 100,000 marine mammals and approximately 1 million seabirds perish annually from ingesting plastic or becoming entangled in it. The impact of plastic pollution extends beyond the animals that directly consume or are trapped in plastic. It also affects the natural ecosystems that depend on the health and well-being of these marine creatures.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of marine animals killed by plastic annually | 100,000 marine mammals and 1 million sea birds |
| Number of marine species affected by plastic | 700 |
| Number of fish ingesting plastic | 12,000 to 24,000 tons |
| Number of whales, dolphins and porpoises killed by ghost gear entanglement annually | 300,000 |
| Number of sea turtles affected by plastic ingestion | 50% |
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What You'll Learn
Marine mammals, fish, and birds die from ingesting plastic
Marine Mammals
Whales, dolphins, sea turtles, sharks, and sea lions are among the marine mammals that are vulnerable to plastic. In 2018, a juvenile sperm whale was found dead on a beach in Spain with just under 30 kilograms of plastic in its digestive tract. The cause of death was inflammation from the plastic pieces, which were coated in toxins.
Fish
Fish consume microplastics at all levels of the food chain. They mistake plastic for food, eat plastic that is mixed in with their food, or eat other fish that have consumed plastic. Pellets, for instance, can look like fish eggs. Microplastics have been identified in species such as the Pacific United States' pink shrimp, pink snapper of southeastern Australia, zebrafish of Asia, and the crucian carp fish of Europe and Asia.
Birds
About 1 million sea birds die from plastic annually. Marine debris is a major threat to sea and shorebirds, claiming the lives of countless birds every year. Plastic debris can look like food to birds, such as plankton, a favorite meal of many species. Recent research also suggests that plastic may develop food-like smells that attract birds. When ingested, plastic can cut soft tissues and damage internal organs. It can also accumulate in animals' stomachs, causing them to stop eating and starve.
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Entanglement in plastic causes drowning and starvation
Marine animals such as whales, dolphins, seals, sea lions, and sea turtles are vulnerable to entanglement in plastic, which can lead to drowning and starvation. Large items of plastic, such as discarded fishing nets and ropes, can trap and restrict the movement of these animals, making it difficult for them to escape and find food.
Smaller marine creatures, such as turtles, seals, and dolphins, may drown immediately if entangled in large or heavy plastic items. Larger whales may not drown instantly but face risks of exhaustion and infection. Entanglement can also cause physical trauma and infections as the plastic cuts into their flesh.
The restriction caused by entanglement can also make it difficult for marine animals to escape from predators, further increasing their risk of becoming prey. This vulnerability to predators is another consequence of entanglement that can indirectly lead to the death of marine animals.
Marine mammals, such as humpback dolphins, have been observed with plastic tightly wrapped around their bodies. If not dislodged, this plastic can cut deep into their skin, leading to the risk of deadly infections. The presence of plastic can also cause internal and external wounds, skin lesions, and sores, further impacting the health and survival of these animals.
Entanglement in plastic is a significant threat to marine life, leading to drowning, starvation, injuries, and increased vulnerability to predators. The impact of plastic pollution in the oceans highlights the importance of addressing this issue to protect and preserve the diverse range of marine species affected by human actions.
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Plastic debris can cause infection and injury
Plastic debris in the ocean is a major threat to marine life, causing injury and infection in a variety of species. The impact of plastic waste on the ocean ecosystem is devastating, and the consequences for marine animals are severe.
Plastic pollution in the ocean comes from a range of sources, including litter, trash, and debris from construction, ports, marinas, and industrial facilities. Ocean-based sources, such as discharges from ships and discarded fishing gear, also contribute significantly to the problem. Once plastic enters the ocean, it can be carried by waves and storms to even the most remote areas, affecting vulnerable ecosystems and wildlife.
Marine mammals, such as whales, dolphins, and seals, are particularly vulnerable to the dangers of plastic pollution. Ingestion of plastic is a major issue, as marine mammals can mistake plastic bags and other debris for prey. In 2018, a juvenile sperm whale was found dead on a beach in Spain with nearly 30 kilograms of plastic in its digestive tract, causing fatal inflammation. This is not an isolated incident, as it is estimated that 56% of whale, dolphin, and porpoise species have consumed plastic.
Entanglement in plastic debris is another life-threatening issue for marine animals. Large items of plastic, such as discarded fishing nets and ropes, can trap and entangle marine mammals, leading to drowning, injury, and increased vulnerability to predators. Rare species, such as the humpback dolphin, have been observed with plastic tightly wrapped around their bodies, cutting into their skin and leaving them susceptible to deadly infections.
Smaller plastic fragments that sit on the surface of the water pose a significant threat to seabirds and other marine species that mistake them for food. Ingestion of these plastic pieces can lead to starvation, suffocation, and toxic contamination. Seabirds feeding plastic pieces to their chicks has detrimental effects on their growth and survival.
The impact of plastic pollution on marine life is far-reaching and devastating. Plastic debris causes injury and infection in marine animals, leading to suffering and death. The problem of plastic in the ocean is a pressing issue that requires urgent attention and action to mitigate its harmful effects on the vulnerable marine ecosystem and the animals that inhabit it.
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Plastic waste encourages the growth of pathogens
Marine animals such as whales, dolphins, turtles, sharks, and several species of birds are dying due to plastic pollution in the oceans. Plastic waste in the ocean is a serious and growing environmental concern. It has been established that plastic waste can act as a carrier of pathogenic bacteria and viruses, leading to the spread of diseases.
The presence of pathogenic bacteria on both macroplastics and microplastic surfaces has been well documented in the marine system. The ubiquitous plastic waste provides enough space for the interaction between environmental elements and creatures. In environmental compartments, plastics can adsorb or carry organic matter, biomolecules, nutrients, and bacteria. The complex union is beneficial for the survival and growth of ecological biota.
Various species exist on the plastics, including heterotrophs, autotrophs, predators, and symbionts, among which there are pathogenic ones. The transfer of antibiotic resistance genes between microorganisms on the plastic surface may favor the persistence of pathogens in the environment. The composition and formation mechanisms of biofilm on plastic surfaces have been studied in both field and laboratory settings.
Additionally, plastic debris that holds water can encourage arthropod-borne diseases by providing a habitat for some vectors' immature stages and shelter to anthropophilic and medically important species, potentially increasing local vector populations with implications for disease burden. For example, discarded plastics can provide a suitable breeding ground for Anopheles mosquito larvae, potentially increasing the malaria burden of an area.
The negative effects of plastic waste on organisms and human health are of growing concern due to the widespread presence of plastic waste. The main microplastics exposure route for humans is ingestion, followed by inhalation and dermal exposure. Studies have found a correlation between the presence of microplastics in the human body and inflammatory bowel disease symptoms, respiratory complications, and other issues.
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Microplastics are ingested and can cause toxic contamination
Marine animals, such as whales, dolphins, turtles, and sea birds, are dying due to plastic pollution in the ocean. Large items of plastic can entangle marine mammals and fish, causing them to starve, get injured, or become vulnerable to predators. Turtles, for example, mistake plastic bags for their staple diet of jellyfish, and eating these bags can lead to starvation.
In addition to entanglement, ingestion of plastic is a significant cause of death for marine animals. It is estimated that marine plastics contribute to the death of more than 100,000 marine mammals every year. Microplastics, in particular, pose a severe threat to marine life. These tiny plastic particles, often invisible to the naked eye, can be ingested by marine organisms, causing toxic contamination and bioaccumulation in the food chain.
Microplastics can directly enter the marine food chain when organisms ingest them, mistaking them for food. These plastics can accumulate in the bodies of marine organisms, leading to malnutrition and inflammation. They can also cause physical abnormalities in internal organs and reduce fertility. Furthermore, microplastics can carry and transfer toxins to the fatty tissues of organisms, resulting in chemical toxicity. These toxins can include heavy metals and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons.
The toxic effects of microplastics on marine life can have far-reaching consequences. As these toxins accumulate in the bodies of marine organisms, they can move up the food chain, affecting larger predators and eventually humans. The complex sources and hidden hazards of microplastics make it challenging to fully understand their toxic impacts. However, studies have shown that microplastics can affect various systems in the human body, including the digestive, respiratory, endocrine, reproductive, and immune systems.
To address the issue of microplastics in the ocean, it is essential to reduce plastic pollution and increase awareness about the dangers of plastic waste. This includes educating people about the impact of single-use plastic and promoting sustainable alternatives. By taking collective action, we can help mitigate the toxic contamination caused by microplastics and protect marine life from the devastating consequences of plastic pollution.
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Frequently asked questions
It is estimated that plastic kills 100,000 marine mammals every year, with some estimates suggesting a figure of 100 million.
Plastic can kill marine animals in several ways. Large items of plastic can capture and entangle marine animals, leading to drowning, starvation, injury, and vulnerability to predators. Marine animals can also ingest plastic, which can cause intestinal injury, toxic contamination, and even death.
Marine mammals, such as whales, dolphins, and seals, are particularly vulnerable to plastic entanglement and ingestion. Sea turtles, seabirds, and fish are also commonly affected by plastic pollution.
Plastic enters the ocean through a variety of sources, including single-use packaging, consumer goods, and microplastic fibers from clothing. It is estimated that about 8 to 10 million tons of plastic make their way into the ocean every year.
Reducing plastic pollution requires collective action and education. Individuals can make incremental changes, such as reducing single-use plastic, recycling, and supporting initiatives to regulate plastic as a pollutant.
