Helena Joyce
Plastic pollution in the ocean is a pressing issue that poses a significant threat to marine life. While it is challenging to determine the exact number of animals killed by ocean pollution annually, estimates indicate that over 100,000 marine mammals perish due to plastic pollution each year. This figure represents the devastating impact of human activities on the delicate marine ecosystem, with plastic waste causing harm through ingestion and entanglement. The pervasive nature of plastic pollution in the ocean has far-reaching consequences, affecting a wide range of species, including seabirds, sea turtles, whales, and many others.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of marine animals killed by plastic pollution each year | 100,000 marine mammals, thousands of seabirds, and an unknown number of other creatures |
| Number of marine mammal species affected by plastic pollution | 81 out of 123 |
| Number of sea turtle species affected by plastic pollution | 7 |
| Common victims of entanglement in plastic | Dolphins, sea turtles, sharks, whales, and sea lions |
| Impact of plastic ingestion on marine animals | Starvation, intestinal injury, and death |
| Impact of plastic entanglement on marine animals | Drowning, infection |
| Impact of plastic pollution on the food chain | Transfer of plastic and toxic chemicals to bigger fish, marine mammals, and human seafood eaters |
| Sources of plastic pollution in the ocean | Plastic bags, bottles, balloons, degraded buoys, packaging materials, fishing gear, and food wrappers |
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What You'll Learn
Ocean plastic ingestion
Plastic pollution in the ocean has a direct and deadly effect on wildlife. Thousands of seabirds, sea turtles, seals, and other marine mammals are killed each year after ingesting plastic. Endangered wildlife like Hawaiian monk seals and Pacific loggerhead sea turtles are among nearly 700 species that eat plastic litter. Marine mammals, such as whales and dolphins, are also highly vulnerable to plastic ingestion. They often mistake plastic for food or accidentally ingest it while feeding.
The physical effects of plastic ingestion are harmful and multifaceted. Large pieces of plastic can cause internal blockages, preventing food from passing through the digestive system, which leads to starvation. Plastic debris fills the stomachs of marine animals, reducing the storage volume of the stomach and causing malnutrition and starvation, even when the animal's stomach is full. The sharp edges of plastic debris can also cause lacerations, and toxic chemicals leaching from the plastic can poison marine life, weakening their immune systems and making them more susceptible to disease.
Furthermore, the decline in marine animal populations due to plastic ingestion can disrupt ecosystem balance. The loss of key species can alter food web dynamics, reduce biodiversity, and impair the ability of ecosystems to provide essential services like carbon sequestration and nutrient cycling. Plastic pollution is one of the main causes of marine species extinction and the destruction of ecosystems.
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Entanglement in fishing gear
Marine animals, such as dolphins, sea turtles, sharks, whales, and sea lions, are at risk of entanglement in fishing gear. This equipment, known as "ghost fishing gear", includes abandoned or lost nets, lines, and traps that continue to entrap marine creatures. The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) has reported an increase in right whale deaths due to entanglement, with 11 confirmed fatalities between 2010 and 2016.
Dolphins, a particularly vulnerable species, have been found with marine debris tightly wrapped around their bodies. This can cut into their skin, leading to potentially deadly infections. Humpback whales, with their near-coastal migration patterns, are also prone to entanglement. In British Columbia, entanglement incidents involving harbour porpoises and large baleen whales have been reported, highlighting the global reach of this issue.
To address the problem of entanglement in fishing gear, various strategies have been proposed and implemented. The NMFS has implemented regulations as part of the Atlantic Large Whale Take Reduction Plan to reduce entanglement-related deaths. These include limiting the number of endlines and seasonal closures in whale habitats. Additionally, the Marine Mammal Incident Response Network in British Columbia and similar organizations in other regions, such as the Whale Release and Stranding Network in Newfoundland and Labrador, are dedicated to responding to entanglement incidents and assisting local cetaceans.
The impact of entanglement in fishing gear on marine life is significant, and ongoing efforts are necessary to mitigate this issue. While some regulations and response networks are in place, further research, collaboration, and proactive measures are required to protect marine animals from the deadly consequences of abandoned or lost fishing gear.
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Plastic toxins in the food chain
It is hard to know the exact number of marine animals that are killed each year due to plastic pollution. Some estimates suggest that over 1 million marine animals, including many sea turtles, die each year due to plastic pollution in the ocean. Seabirds are the most affected, with mammals accounting for about 100,000 deaths. These numbers only include the animals that die as a direct result of plastic debris in the ocean. If other factors, such as emissions from plastic production and transport, were considered, the toll would likely be much higher.
Plastic has already entered the food chain, and its impact is particularly studied in marine organisms. Animals carry microplastics in their bodies, and when they are eaten, those microplastics are passed on to the consumer. This process is called "trophic transfer". Microplastics are small plastic pieces less than 5 mm long that can be harmful to marine and freshwater organisms. They can escape water filtration systems and end up in oceans or other water bodies, causing serious environmental and food safety concerns. Primary microplastics are those that were originally manufactured to be that size, while secondary microplastics are degradation products of larger plastic items.
The sources of microplastic contamination are extensive and include the dumping of plastic waste, the use of microbeads in beauty products, synthetic textiles, car tires, paints, personal care products, and electronic equipment. Plastic in the environment tends to bind with environmental pollutants, and these toxins can accumulate in animal fat and tissue through a process called bioaccumulation. Chemicals are also often added to plastic during production to give them desired properties, and these can be transferred through trophic transfer as well.
The presence of microplastics in the human food chain is a growing concern. Research has shown that nanoplastics can enter the brains of fish through the food chain and lead to abnormal behavior. This accumulation of plastic in living organs can also occur in nature, especially in long-living animals. While plastic is not the only way that toxins enter the food chain, the role of plastic in bioaccumulation is significant. Attempts to curb plastic pollution, such as banning single-use plastics and holding producers responsible for waste, are being implemented in some places. However, the risk assessment of microplastics in food safety is still in its early stages, and more research is needed to fully understand the impact of plastic toxins in the food chain.
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Plastic debris in marine ecosystems
Plastic has revolutionized modern society, challenging and replacing older materials in many of their established uses. However, plastic is now the largest component of litter and is a major global conservation issue with implications for maritime industries, tourism, marine life, and human health.
Marine animals can become entangled in plastic debris, such as abandoned fishing nets, which can lead to drowning. This is a particular risk for marine mammals, such as dolphins, sea turtles, sharks, whales, and sea lions, as they cannot breathe underwater. Plastic debris can also be ingested by marine animals, who may mistake it for prey. This can lead to inflammation and toxic contamination, causing suffering and death. It is estimated that plastic pollution kills 100,000 marine mammals every year, with 81 out of 123 marine mammal species known to have eaten or been entangled in plastic.
The impact of plastic debris in marine ecosystems is not limited to marine animals. Seabirds that feed on the ocean surface are especially prone to ingesting plastic, which can have detrimental effects on chick growth and survival. Plastic debris can also accumulate pollutants and transport them through ocean currents, affecting the human food chain as fish ingest plastic fragments.
Addressing the problem of plastic debris in marine ecosystems requires a combination of public education, policy changes, and the development of alternative materials or solutions to mitigate plastic release. Citizen science and outreach activities, such as beach cleanups, are also important in raising awareness and engaging the public in taking action against plastic pollution.
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Effects on marine wildlife reproduction
Marine wildlife is extremely vulnerable to the harmful effects of ocean pollution, which takes many forms, including toxic chemicals, sewage, fertilisers, plastics, noise, and discarded fishing nets. Ocean pollution has a direct impact on the reproduction of marine wildlife, threatening the survival of future generations of many species.
The ingestion of plastic and other pollutants by marine wildlife has been shown to reduce the storage volume of the stomach, leading to starvation. This is particularly prevalent in seabirds and sea turtles, with research indicating that half of sea turtles worldwide have ingested plastic, and it is estimated that 60% of seabird species have done the same. This number is predicted to rise to 99% by 2050, posing a significant threat to the survival of these species.
In addition to ingestion, marine mammals such as whales, sea lions, otters, and walruses are highly vulnerable to plastic entanglement, often resulting in injury, starvation, and increased vulnerability to predators. This entanglement can also impact the reproductive success of these species by impairing their ability to move freely and access necessary resources.
Ocean acidification, caused by the increase in atmospheric CO2 due to human-induced carbon footprints, leads to coral bleaching and the decline of coral reefs. Coral reefs provide essential habitats and food sources for many marine species, and their degradation can have far-reaching impacts on the reproductive success of these species.
The bioaccumulation of toxic chemicals found in plastics and other pollutants can also affect marine wildlife reproduction. These toxins can build up in the fatty tissues of animals, leading to health issues that impact their reproductive capabilities. Additionally, these toxins can be passed on to their offspring through breast milk, affecting the health and survival of the next generation.
Noise pollution from activities such as ocean drilling, marine exploration, and ship traffic can alter the behaviour and reproduction of marine wildlife. Reducing human activity in their habitats can provide areas for these species to recover and regenerate their numbers.
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Frequently asked questions
It is difficult to know the exact number, but it is estimated that plastic pollution kills 100,000 marine mammals every year. This includes the deaths of more than a million seabirds.
Marine animals can die from ingesting plastic or getting entangled in it. Plastic can cause internal injuries, intestinal injuries, and even transfer toxins up the food chain. Some marine mammals, like dolphins, cannot breathe underwater and can drown when entangled in plastic.
All seven species of sea turtles are affected by plastic pollution, as well as dolphins, sharks, whales, and sea lions. Seabirds are also at risk, with plastic causing starvation or suffocation.
Plastic pollution in the ocean comes from plastic waste that is not properly disposed of or recycled. This includes items such as plastic bags, bottles, fishing gear, and packaging materials. Abandoned fishing gear, also known as "ghost" fishing equipment, is a significant contributor to entanglement in marine animals.
Education and awareness are crucial in solving marine pollution. Individuals can make an impact by reducing their plastic consumption, properly disposing of waste, and participating in beach clean-up efforts. Additionally, supporting initiatives that regulate plastics as pollutants and push for more sustainable alternatives can help address the issue at its source.
