Science Common Sense

604 - How does plastic waste impact marine life?

Plastic waste in oceans and seas affects marine life in many ways. Here are some key impacts:

1. Entanglement: Marine animals get stuck in plastic trash like six-pack rings, nets, and bags, causing injuries and deaths.
2. Choking: Sea creatures, including birds, turtles, and fish, think plastic is food and eat it. This can block their stomachs and kill them.
3. Ingestion of tiny plastics: Many animals mistake tiny plastic bits (called microplastics) for food. These plastics can harm animals' health and even enter our food chain.
4. Loss of habitats: Large amounts of plastic debris in oceans can create huge garbage patches, which harm or destroy marine habitats.
5. Deaths from pollution: Plastic can release chemicals, harming animals or making them sick.

We must reduce plastic use and waste, and help keep our oceans clean to protect marine life.