Helena Joyce
Plastic pollution in the ocean is a critical environmental issue that continues to grow in magnitude. Marine animals are dying from ingesting plastic or getting entangled in plastic-based fishing gear. It is estimated that 100 million marine animals die each year from plastic waste, including fish, mammals, and seabirds. While it is challenging to determine the exact number, the impact of plastic pollution on marine animals is devastating and must be addressed to protect our oceans and the livelihoods of the billions of people who depend on them.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of marine animals that die from plastic pollution each year | 100,000 marine mammals; 1 million sea birds |
| Number of marine animals that die from ingestion of plastic each year | 100,000 |
| Number of marine animals that die from entanglement in plastic each year | 100,000 |
| Percentage of marine animals that die after coming in contact with marine plastic | 4%-89% |
| Number of sea turtles affected by plastic | 50% |
| Number of marine mammal species that have eaten or been entangled in plastic | 81 out of 123 |
| Number of sea turtle species affected by plastic | 7 |
| Number of plastic pieces in every square mile of ocean | 46,000 |
| Number of plastic pieces dumped into the ocean every day | 13,000-15,000 |
What You'll Learn
Plastic ingestion
Marine animals are facing a grave threat from plastic pollution in the oceans. While the exact number of deaths is unknown, it is estimated that more than 100,000 marine mammals die every year from ingesting plastic or becoming entangled in it. This figure only accounts for the mammals and does not include other marine life such as fish, birds, and reptiles.
Marine mammals, such as whales, dolphins, and seals, are also victims of plastic ingestion. In 2019, a whale was found washed up with 40 kg of plastic in its stomach, primarily plastic bags. Another sperm whale died with 30 kg of plastic in its gut, causing inflammation of its abdominal tissues.
The ingestion of plastic by wildlife was first observed in 1966 when researchers found plastic container lids and toys in dead Laysan albatross chicks. Since then, over 700 species, including seabirds, fish, turtles, and marine mammals, have been confirmed to eat plastic. This number is expected to increase as wildlife continues to encounter human trash.
The toxins in plastics can have detrimental effects on marine life, leading to malnutrition, weakened immune systems, and even death. These toxins can also be transferred up the food chain, threatening species higher up, such as dolphins, whales, and even humans.
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Entanglement in plastic
Marine animals have been found entangled in plastic debris for decades. Entanglement in plastic is one of the two primary ways in which marine animals encounter and are harmed by plastic debris, the other being ingestion. It is estimated that 100,000 marine animals are killed by entanglement in plastic or ingestion of plastic each year, although the true figure is likely to be much higher.
The most common way that entanglement in plastic kills marine animals is through drowning. Marine mammals, for example, cannot breathe underwater. Even if entangled animals can move, their prospects are not good. They may also be injured by the plastic, as in the case of the endangered Steller sea lion, which has suffered injuries and mortality from entanglement in packing bands.
Abandoned fishing gear, also known as "ghost fishing equipment", is one of the worst offenders when it comes to entanglement in plastic. An estimated 640,000 tonnes of the 8 million tonnes of plastic that enters the oceans every year is ghost fishing equipment, which is either deliberately jettisoned or washed from ships or shorelines.
The impact of entanglement in plastic on marine animals is likely to increase in the coming years. At current rates, plastic is expected to outweigh all the fish in the sea by 2050. The fossil fuel industry plans to increase plastic production by 40% over the next decade, which will lead to more plastic in our oceans.
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Chemical contamination
Marine animals are facing a grave threat from chemical contamination due to ocean pollution. This contamination arises from various sources, including oil spills, plastic waste, and industrial chemical runoff. The impact of these pollutants on marine life is devastating and far-reaching.
Oil spills, for example, not only contaminate the water but also the marine life that comes into contact with it. Seabirds, furred marine mammals such as sea otters, polar bears, and seal pups are all affected. These animals may ingest oil directly or consume prey that has been contaminated. In addition, oil spills can kill off smaller creatures like krill, which are a vital food source for larger marine animals. The fumes from oil spills can also be inhaled, causing further harm.
Plastic waste is another significant contributor to chemical contamination in the oceans. Plastics can contain harmful chemicals such as BPA, which has been linked to impaired growth rates in fish. When plastics break down into microplastics, they are ingested by a wide range of marine life, from small finches to large whales. These microplastics can cause intestinal injuries and even death. They also transfer toxic chemicals up the food chain, affecting larger fish, marine mammals, and eventually human seafood eaters.
Industrial practices also play a role in chemical contamination. One particularly dangerous group of chemicals is PCBs (PolyChlorinated Biphenyls), which were widely used in building materials until a global ban in 2004. PCBs accumulate in the fatty tissue (blubber) of whales, dolphins, and porpoises, and their bodies struggle to break down these toxic chemicals. As these animals consume more contaminated fish, the levels of PCBs in their systems build up, leading to a flood of toxins being released into their bodies during times of stress.
The impact of chemical contamination on marine life is not limited to physical harm but also extends to behavioural changes and reproductive issues. Noise pollution from human activities such as underwater seismic surveys and military exercises can interrupt the normal behaviour of whales and dolphins, driving them away from areas essential to their survival and even causing injuries or deaths. Additionally, chemical contamination from plastic pollution has been linked to reproductive issues in marine animals, further threatening the delicate balance of marine ecosystems.
While the exact number of marine animal deaths directly attributable to chemical contamination is challenging to pinpoint, the evidence suggests that the toll is significant. With the ongoing introduction of contaminants into the oceans, the situation remains critical, and collective action is urgently needed to address this global crisis.
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Plastic waste in coral reefs
Marine plastic pollution is a pressing issue that poses a significant threat to the health and survival of various marine animals and ecosystems. While it is challenging to determine the exact number of marine animals killed by plastic pollution, estimates suggest that approximately 100,000 to 100 million marine animals die each year due to plastic waste. This includes fish, mammals, and seabirds, with plastic ingestion or entanglement being the primary causes of death.
Coral reefs, which support approximately 25% of all known marine life, are particularly vulnerable to the detrimental effects of plastic waste. A recent study revealed that plastic debris is smothering and killing corals in 92% of the examined reefs, including those in remote and uninhabited locations. Plastic pollution was found to be denser in reefs closer to cities and markets, but it was also prevalent in marine protected areas, indicating a widespread issue.
Additionally, plastic waste contributes to the degradation of coral reefs by facilitating the spread of diseases. The presence of plastic debris provides a breeding ground for bacteria and other harmful microorganisms, which can infect and damage coral tissues. This is particularly concerning as coral reefs are already under significant stress from climate change and bleaching events. Furthermore, plastic waste in coral reefs can have indirect ecological consequences, such as disrupting the food chain and reducing fish stocks, which can lead to job losses in affected communities.
To address the issue of plastic waste in coral reefs, it is essential to reduce plastic consumption, improve waste management practices, and promote proper recycling. Higher-income countries can play a role in supporting lower-income countries in implementing effective waste management solutions. By taking collective action and reducing our reliance on plastic, we can help mitigate the detrimental effects of plastic waste on coral reefs and the diverse marine life they support.
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Plastic in food chains
Plastic pollution in the ocean is a pressing issue that has far-reaching consequences for marine life and ecosystems. It is estimated that around 8 to 10 million tons of plastic enter the oceans annually, with single-use plastic being a significant contributor. The impact of this pollution is felt across marine food chains, from the smallest organisms to larger marine animals and eventually humans.
Microplastics, plastic pieces smaller than 5mm, are of particular concern. These tiny fragments can be ingested by small organisms, such as plankton and microorganisms, at the base of the food chain. For example, researchers have found plastic in the stomachs of filter feeders like larvaceans and red crabs in the deep ocean. These organisms are then consumed by larger predators, allowing plastic to move up the food chain.
The impact of microplastics on these small organisms is not fully understood, but they have the potential to alter gene expression, cause inflammation, and affect reproductive success. They can also reduce the growth and reproductive rates of filter feeders, which can have cascading effects on the rest of the food chain. As larger marine animals, such as whales, dolphins, and turtles, ingest plastic-contaminated prey, the plastic accumulates in their bodies. This can lead to fatal blockages and inflammation, as seen in the tragic cases of sperm whales dying with nearly 30 kilograms of plastic in their digestive tracts.
Additionally, plastic pollution in the ocean also affects marine animals through entanglement. Abandoned fishing gear, or ghost nets, can ensnare marine creatures, leading to drowning or severe injuries that leave them vulnerable to infections. This issue is not limited to marine mammals, as rare species such as the humpback dolphin have also been found entangled in marine debris.
The consequences of plastic pollution extend beyond the immediate harm to marine life. Humans who consume seafood or eat animals higher up in the food chain may inadvertently ingest microplastics, leading to potential health risks. It is estimated that humans ingest approximately 40 pounds of plastic during their lifetime. Additionally, the economic impact of declining fish stocks and job losses in affected communities cannot be overlooked.
Addressing plastic pollution in the ocean requires collective efforts, including reducing plastic waste, improving waste management practices, recycling, and supporting organizations dedicated to protecting our oceans. It is crucial to recognize the far-reaching implications of plastic pollution in food chains and take proactive measures to mitigate its impact on marine life and human health.
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Frequently asked questions
It is estimated that 100,000 marine animals die from plastic ingestion or entanglement each year. This includes approximately 1 million sea birds. It is difficult to know the exact number, but this is likely the tip of the iceberg, with many more animals lying at the bottom of the ocean.
Plastic pollution can kill marine animals in several ways. Marine animals can mistake plastic for food and ingest it, which can block their digestive systems and lead to starvation. Plastic can also cause inflammation and chemical contamination, which can harm the reproductive systems of marine animals. Marine animals can also become entangled in plastic, leading to suffocation or drowning.
All marine animals are affected by plastic pollution, but some species are more vulnerable than others. Sea turtles, for example, often mistake plastic bags for jellyfish and ingest them. Dolphins, whales, sharks, and sea lions are also commonly affected by plastic entanglement or ingestion.
Reducing plastic consumption, recycling, and disposing of plastic waste responsibly can help reduce the impact of plastic pollution on marine animals. Volunteering for marine conservation programs and supporting organizations working to address plastic pollution are also effective ways to make a difference.
