Plastic Pollution: A Growing Threat to Marine Ecosystems
The Hidden Toll
While the exact number of marine animals killed by plastic pollution remains unknown, it is clear that the problem is widespread. Studies have shown that plastic ingestion and entanglement can harm a wide range of species, including seabirds, turtles, fish, and marine mammals.
Environmental Hazards
Damaged Habitats
Plastic pollution can damage vital ocean habitats, such as coral reefs and seagrass beds. These ecosystems provide food and shelter for a variety of marine life, and their degradation can have a ripple effect throughout the food chain.
Navigation and Livelihoods
Plastic pollution can also pose hazards to navigation and livelihoods. Large pieces of plastic debris can damage boats and fishing gear, and they can also accumulate in shipping lanes, posing a threat to maritime safety.
Impacts on Specific Species
Some species are particularly vulnerable to the impacts of plastic pollution. For example, harbor porpoises in the Baltic and North Seas, as well as in Danish Icelandic waters, have been found to have high levels of plastic ingestion. This can lead to a range of health problems, including malnutrition, starvation, and reproductive failure.
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