How does plastic pollution affect marine life?

Plastic pollution harms marine life by causing entanglement, ingestion, habitat disruption, and introducing toxic chemicals.

Plastic pollution is a significant threat to marine life. When plastic waste enters the ocean, it does not biodegrade but instead breaks down into smaller pieces, known as microplastics. These microplastics are often mistaken for food by marine animals. When ingested, they can cause blockages in the digestive system, leading to starvation and death. Larger pieces of plastic can also cause physical harm. Sea creatures such as turtles, seals, and birds can become entangled in plastic waste, leading to injury or death.

Plastic pollution also disrupts marine habitats. Coral reefs, for example, are particularly vulnerable. When plastic debris becomes entangled on a reef, it can block sunlight, impeding photosynthesis and causing the coral to die. Additionally, plastic can smother seafloor habitats, affecting the organisms that live there.

Furthermore, plastic pollution introduces toxic chemicals into the marine environment. Plastics contain a variety of additives, including colourants, plasticisers, and flame retardants, many of which are harmful to marine life. When plastics break down, these chemicals can leach out, contaminating the surrounding water. Some of these chemicals can bioaccumulate in marine organisms, meaning they build up in the body over time, leading to health problems and potentially affecting the entire food chain.

In conclusion, plastic pollution has a profound impact on marine life. It poses a physical threat through entanglement and ingestion, disrupts habitats, and introduces harmful chemicals into the marine environment. It is therefore crucial to reduce plastic waste and find more sustainable alternatives to protect our oceans and the diverse life they support.