Plastic waste is a real threat to over 700 marine species. An investigation revealed which ones are the most lethal.
He is about to end up run over, his mother saves himPlastic waste is one of the worst threats to animals, especially marine species. Approximately every year 8 tons of plastic end up in the oceans and ad ingest it are over 700 marine species, including whales, dolphins and turtles.
In so many cases, ingesting plastic blocks their digestive system, leading to a slow and painful death. To stop this silent massacre, it is first of all necessary to ask what are the most dangerous plastic objects for the life of marine fauna.
The deadliest plastic waste for marine species
Starting from the assumption that plastic pollution in the sea is always dangerous and must be eradicated, it is good to know which waste is most likely to be fatal for marine animals. A few years ago some experts in marine biology conducted a study, published in the journal Society for Conservation Biology, which aimed to identify more dangerous plastic objects.
During the research, four main elements found to be more lethal to wildlife emerged:
- plastic bags and packaging
- fishing tackle
- balloons and rubber
- plastic items
@Society for Conservation Biology
I plastic bags, packaging and films, which generally cause intestinal blockages, have been found to be responsible for the largest number of deaths of all marine species considered, in particular they have caused the death of cetaceans, including whales and dolphins and sea turtles.
Instead, fishing gear - such as nets and line - has been fatal to larger animals like seals and sea lions. In fact, it is estimated that 5,7% of fishing nets and 29% of lines are not disposed of properly and thus end up in the sea, becoming a threat to marine fauna.
Balloons killed the most of the smaller animals, but also ropes and rubber debris. Ingestion of hard plastic fragments, rubber, fishing litter and balloons have also been found to be lethal to seabirds.
@Lauren Roman
What solution to protect marine fauna?
To stop the death of marine animals and protect the ecosystem of our oceans, action must be taken before it is really too late. There are several measures which, if adopted correctly, could turn the tide. As also highlighted by marine biologists, we should first of all disseminate more information and educate fishermen, making them aware of the terrible consequences deriving from fishing pollution. Another important step could be the imposition of hefty fines to discourage the dumping of waste into the waters of the seas and oceans, as well as the creation of special spaces in ports for the disposal of nets, lines and other fishing gear.
But fishing is by no means the only cause of plastic pollution. For this reason it is essential not only to change policies, but also to raise awareness among individual citizens. Recycling and properly disposing of plastic, or even better reducing its consumption, can make the difference for hundreds of marine species, constantly threatened, which have to pay for the superficial and wicked actions of man.
Fonte: Society for Conservation Biology
Read also:
- The hermit crab that uses plastic as a “home” is the image of the failure of our society
- The terrifying images of plastic balloons that are killing animals (and polluting the oceans)
