New Report Focuses on Harmful Impacts of Plastic Pollution on Marine Life

SEATTLE (Scrap Monster): The new report released by Oceana- the international nonprofit advocacy organization highlights the impacts of plastic pollution on marine life. It cites plastic pollution as the main reason behind killing of marine wildlife.

The report unveils alarming data on marine mammals and sea turtles swallowing or becoming entangled in plastic in U.S. waters. The findings are based on data provided by various government agencies, organizations, and institutes. There has been clear evidence of around 1,800 animals from nearly 40 different species that have swallowed or become entangled in plastic since 2009. Surprisingly, 88% of them belonged to species listed as endangered or facing the threat of extinction.

ALSO READ:

Senate Approves Bill to Confront Marine Plastic Debris

U.S. Reps Unveil Next Step to Remove, Prevent Marine Pollution

According to the report, the most common items that were found entangling the animals included plastic packing straps, bags, balloons with strings, and sheeting. The additional items involving entanglement or ingestion included bottle caps, water bottles, straws, plastic chairs, plastic forks, toothbrushes, children’s toys, buckets, bubble wrap, sponges, swim goggles, plastic holiday grass, sandwich bags and polystyrene cups.

Dr. Kimberly Warner, report author and senior scientist at Oceana noted that the report may not provide complete account of the fate of all marine animals impacted by plastic. The rising consumption of single-use plastics will only lead to increase in similar cases, he added.