Meghan Hodges
Plastic pollution is a pressing issue that has been causing the deaths of marine and land animals for almost as long as plastic has been around. While it is challenging to determine the exact number of animals killed by pollution, estimates suggest that plastic kills around 1 million seabirds annually, with discarded fishing gear entangling and killing approximately 300,000 cetaceans. The impact of plastic pollution extends beyond marine life, as land animals such as deer and camels also face fatal consequences from ingesting plastic. Additionally, microplastics, which are invisible to the naked eye, contribute to the death toll by being ingested or absorbed into the water table. The presence of plastic in the ocean is extensive, with an estimated 8 to 10 million tons entering the water each year, leading to detrimental effects on marine life. These issues are further exacerbated by rising ocean temperatures and other human activities, contributing to an ongoing environmental crisis that threatens the existence of numerous animal species.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of marine animals killed by plastic pollution each year | 100,000 (minimum estimate) |
| Number of marine animals killed by plastic ingestion each year | 100,000+ |
| Number of marine animals killed by plastic entanglement each year | 100,000+ |
| Number of marine animals killed by discarded fishing gear each year | 300,000 |
| Number of seabirds killed by plastic pollution each year | 1,000,000+ |
| Number of sea turtles killed by plastic pollution each year | 1,000,000+ |
| Number of marine animals with plastic in their digestive tract | 56% of whales, dolphins, and porpoises |
| Number of fish larvae that eat microplastics instead of food | 4 times more likely to eat microplastics |
| Number of fish stocks that have ingested plastic as of 2018 | Over 50% |
| Number of fish species with microplastics in them | Hundreds |
| Number of animals killed by pollution, deforestation, and warming in the late 21st century | 4–10% animal species loss without nuclear war; 40–70% for terrestrial tetrapod species and 25–50% for marine animal species with nuclear war |
| Number of animals killed by humans every year | 150 billion (estimate); 2.8 trillion fish |
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What You'll Learn
Plastic ingestion by marine animals
Plastic ingestion is a significant cause of death for marine animals. It is estimated that about 100,000 marine animals are killed annually due to ingesting or becoming entangled in plastic. This figure is likely an underestimate, as many more dead animals may be lying at the bottom of the ocean.
Plastic in the ocean takes various forms, from plastic bags and straws to microplastics, which are pieces of plastic smaller than five millimeters. These microplastics can be consumed by marine invertebrates and larvaceans, which are then eaten by larger fish, potentially transferring toxins up the food chain to bigger fish, marine mammals, and even humans who consume seafood. Research has shown that fish larvae are four times more likely to eat microplastics than actual food.
Seabirds are also affected by plastic pollution, with an estimated 60% of all seabird species having eaten plastic. This number is predicted to increase to 99% by 2050, with up to 1 million seabirds dying from plastic ingestion each year. Sea turtles are another victim of plastic pollution, with half of sea turtles worldwide having ingested plastic. They can choke, sustain internal injuries, or starve due to plastic blocking their stomachs.
Plastic pollution in the ocean has become a global crisis, with billions of pounds of plastic making up about 40% of the world's ocean surfaces. At current rates, the weight of plastic in the ocean is expected to exceed the combined weight of all the fish in the sea by 2050. This crisis is causing the deaths of thousands of marine animals each year, including endangered species such as Hawaiian monk seals and Pacific loggerhead sea turtles.
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Entanglement in plastic
Plastic pollution is a severe anthropogenic issue that has been affecting marine ecosystems and wildlife for decades. Marine animals, including mammals, turtles, birds, and crustaceans, have been known to interact with and become entangled in plastic debris, leading to injury, suffocation, or death. This problem is not limited to the oceans, as land animals such as deer and camels also suffer from ingesting plastic.
One of the most well-known images of plastic pollution is that of seagulls and other marine birds with their necks caught in plastic rings from soda cans. However, entanglement in plastic goes beyond this, with discarded fishing gear being a major culprit. According to Ocean Blue Project, discarded fishing gear has entangled and killed around 300,000 cetaceans, such as dolphins and whales. This deadly trap leads to suffocation, injury, or deprivation of essential resources for these majestic creatures.
The impact of plastic entanglement is not limited to cetaceans. Seabirds, such as albatrosses, petrels, and shearwaters, also fall victim to entanglement. Plastic debris can ensnare these birds, leading to dire consequences. Furthermore, plastic wrap, disposable shopping bags, and old storage bags pose a "clear and present danger" to various marine species, including fish, crabs, coral, and krill.
The problem of plastic pollution is not confined to the natural environment. Marine plastic debris has been found in single-use packaging, consumer goods, and clothing, which sheds microplastic fibres in the wash. These microplastics are then ingested by humans and animals, leading to various cancers, clogged digestion systems, and slow, agonizing deaths. The impact of plastic pollution is widespread and affects not only wildlife but also the socio-economic aspects of human life, including tourism, fishery, shipping, and health.
While it is challenging to determine the exact number of animals killed by plastic pollution, it is evident that the problem is severe and widespread. Plastic pollution has affected various species, from the largest mammals to the smallest birds and fish. The best course of action to address this issue is to reduce, recycle, and reuse plastic, as well as advocate for policies and initiatives that regulate plastic as a pollutant and prevent its entry into marine ecosystems.
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Impact on land animals
While it is difficult to determine the exact number of animals killed by pollution, it is clear that pollution has a significant impact on land animals. The impact of pollution on land animals is complex and far-reaching, with consequences that are often indirect and difficult to measure.
One of the most significant ways pollution affects land animals is through habitat destruction and degradation. Activities such as deforestation, urban development, and agricultural expansion fragment and reduce the habitats of many land animal species, leading to population decline and even extinction. Pollution also contributes to climate change, which further exacerbates the loss and alteration of habitats. For example, global warming causes the melting of arctic ice, which directly affects the survival of land animals in those regions, such as polar bears and arctic foxes.
Pollution also directly harms land animals through toxic exposure. Industrial and agricultural pollutants contaminate soil and water sources, leading to the accumulation of toxic substances in the food chain. This results in various health issues for land animals, including reproductive problems, immune system disorders, and increased susceptibility to diseases. Heavy metals, pesticides, and industrial chemicals are some of the common pollutants that affect land animals in this manner.
Additionally, pollution can disrupt the delicate balance of ecosystems, leading to indirect effects on land animal populations. For instance, the contamination of water bodies with pollutants can result in the decline of aquatic species, which in turn affects the food chain of land animals that depend on these water sources. This can lead to malnutrition, reduced reproductive success, and population decline for these animals.
The impact of pollution on land animals also extends to their behaviour and reproductive strategies. Some pollutants, such as endocrine-disrupting chemicals, can interfere with the hormonal balance of animals, affecting their reproductive capabilities and the development of their offspring. Pollution can also impact the communication and navigation abilities of animals, such as the use of pheromones by insects or acoustic signals by birds and mammals, leading to disruptions in mating rituals and territorial behaviours.
Lastly, pollution can increase the vulnerability of land animals to other threats, such as predation and disease. For example, pollutants that weaken the immune system of animals can make them more susceptible to infections and parasites. Additionally, pollutants that alter the physical appearance or behaviour of animals can make them easier targets for predators or make it difficult for them to escape dangerous situations.
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Microplastics and toxins
Microplastics are a significant concern for both marine and terrestrial animals. These tiny plastic particles, measuring less than 5 mm in diameter, are found in water, air, soil, and various living organisms worldwide. They originate from the breakdown of plastic waste in the environment, as well as synthetic clothing, and can have detrimental effects on wildlife and human health.
In the marine environment, microplastics are ingested by a wide range of species, including fish, seabirds, dolphins, whales, and other marine mammals. Fish larvae are four times more likely to eat microplastics than actual food. Seabirds are particularly at risk, as they often mistake microplastic particles for food, leading to intestinal blockages and physical and hormonal damage to their cells and organs. Dolphins, an iconic marine species, have been found to breathe and ingest microplastics, with studies detecting microplastic fibres shed from synthetic clothing in their respiratory systems.
Whales, the world's largest mammals, face a severe threat from plastic pollution. While baleen and toothed whales can survive some level of waste in their digestive systems, their stomach acid cannot break down plastic materials. Over time, plastics deteriorate the stomach lining and produce deadly toxins, leading to dehydration and even death. Additionally, microplastics have been found to replace the diet of zooplankton, which is the primary food source for whales, further increasing their plastic consumption.
On land, microplastics leech into the soil and nearby water sources from plastic waste in landfills. A 2020 study found that terrestrial microplastic pollution has led to a decrease in species that live below the surface, such as mites, larvae, and other tiny creatures, resulting in reduced soil fertility. Chlorinated plastic, such as food packaging and medical devices, can release harmful chemicals into the soil and groundwater, contaminating the food chain. Land animals, such as deer, camels, and elephants, have also been reported to ingest plastic waste, leading to unnecessary deaths.
The impact of microplastics on human health is also a growing concern. Studies have detected microplastics in the human placenta, blood, and lungs, carrying substances that can disrupt hormone function and cause long-term health effects. While the full extent of the impact is still unknown, the presence of microplastics in the human body and their ability to carry and enhance the negative effects of various pollutants are alarming.
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Sea turtles and plastic
Plastic pollution is a pressing issue that affects all marine life, including sea turtles. Sea turtles have been around for over 100 million years, but plastic, which has only been mass-produced since the 1940s, poses a significant threat to their survival.
Sea turtles come into contact with plastic at various stages of their lives and in different habitats, from the nesting beaches where they hatch to the open ocean where they migrate. The primary ways plastic harms sea turtles are through ingestion and entanglement.
Sea turtles often mistake plastic for their natural food, such as jellyfish, algae, or other species that make up their diet. This mistake can be visual, as a floating plastic bag can resemble their natural prey, or olfactory, as sea turtles are attracted to the smell of marine plastics due to the organisms that latch onto them. As a result, it is estimated that more than half of all sea turtles have ingested plastic, with research suggesting that 52% of the world's turtles have eaten plastic waste.
When sea turtles eat plastic, it can cause physical damage to their intestines, lead to blockages, and trick them into feeling full when they are not, resulting in sickness or even death. Additionally, sharp plastics can rupture internal organs, and ingestion can cause intestinal blockages, leading to starvation. Even if they survive, consuming plastic can affect their buoyancy, stunt their growth, and lead to slow reproduction rates.
Entanglement is another significant threat posed by plastic to sea turtles. They can become entangled in discarded fishing gear, also known as "ghost nets" or "ghost gear," and other plastic debris while migrating, feeding, or nesting. This entanglement can cause injuries, hinder their ability to swim, surface for air, or feed, and in severe cases, lead to drowning. Baby turtles are particularly vulnerable to entanglement, as they may become trapped in plastic debris while making their way to the ocean. Scientists estimate that at least 1,000 sea turtles die each year due to entanglement in plastic.
The impact of plastic pollution on sea turtles is devastating, and it is crucial to address this issue through individual efforts to reduce plastic use and global initiatives to combat plastic pollution.
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Frequently asked questions
It is impossible to give an exact number, but it is estimated that 150 billion animals are killed every year. This number does not account for the animals that die from pollution-induced suffering, misery, or heartbreak.
Pollution kills animals in a variety of ways. Plastic pollution, for example, can cause death through ingestion or entanglement. Pollution can also lead to species loss, with estimates ranging from 4-10% by 2060-2080 if no nuclear war occurs, and up to 50% if it does.
Marine animals are particularly vulnerable to plastic pollution. This includes seabirds, cetaceans (such as dolphins and whales), fish, and penguins. Land animals, such as deer and camels, are also affected by plastic pollution.
To reduce the number of animal deaths caused by pollution, it is essential to reduce plastic consumption and disposal. This can be done by eliminating unnecessary disposable plastics, such as cups, plates, cutlery, straws, and shopping bags.
