The plastic we see at the surface of the ocean is maybe a half of 1% of the total plastic in the ocean. Avoid heating food in plastic containers or storing fatty foods in plastic containers or plastic wrap. Thats because plastic can cause blockages in their intestines and even pierce the intestinal wall causing internal bleeding. 2. Once plastic enters the sea, it has no boundaries waves and storms can carry plastics to even the furthest reaches of the ocean, where they accumulate into large gyres on the high seas or become embedded in shorelines and delicate coastal ecosystems; theyve even been found on uninhabited islands. Also, according to National Geographic, a whopping 91% of plastic is not recycled, despite plastic being the greatest enemy of ocean water.Recycling helps keep these plastics out of the ocean and reduces the amount of new plastic in circulation. The message about our use of plastic is painfully obvious. About 10 percent of this waste will end up in the ocean. They present short-term and long-term solutions. In the second half, the filmmakers look at what we can do to reverse the tide of plastic flowing around the world. Plastic pollution is undoubtedly an issue that requires worldwide cooperation. The ocean is perhaps the most vulnerable environment to plastic waste. Marine plastic pollution (or plastic pollution in the ocean) is a type of marine pollution by plastics, ranging in size from large original material such as bottles and bags, down to microplastics formed from the fragmentation of plastic material. Electronic waste, which is some of the fastest-growing types of waste, contains mercury, lead and other toxins that could leak out of Some of the plastic in the ocean originates from ships that lose cargo at sea. barracudas, and guppies they are the quintessential water creature. When plastic enters their digestive tract, it does not break down and often tends to fill the animals stomach. Sea-life is under immense pressure from plastic, rising temperatures, acidification, fishing, and moreand sterile seas have enormous implications for the existence of human life on the planet. Buy food in glass or metal containers and avoid polycarbonate drinking bottles with Bisphenol A. Reducing the presence of Incredibly vast and deep, the ocean acts like a huge sink for global pollution. How does it affect water quality? How to Avoid Using Plastic Products. Why is the ocean so badly affected by plastic? Marine life can also get tangled in nets, cords, and other plastic debris, which hinders their ability to swim and in some cases, can be a severe choking hazard. For wildlife such as fish, dolphins, seabirds and seals it can be deadly as they become entangled or mistake it for food. Because it comes in sizes large and small, polluting plastics even affect the worlds tiniest organisms, such as plankton. Much of this plastic waste will then be mistakenly eaten by sea creatures. How does plastic litter affect the environment? This can of course affect the overall revenue in the area and affect the economy. As the ice breaks up, the animals are forced to roam for long distances or on to Electronic waste, which is some of the fastest-growing types of waste, contains mercury, lead and other toxins that could leak out of Fishing areas are largely unprotected to this day. Pollution from plastic materials, such as plastic bags, affect the natural order of feeding. 3) _____. When these organisms become poisoned due to plastic ingestion, this causes problems for the larger animals that depend on them for food.. The world as a whole produces about 260 million tons of plastic each year. Plastic may affect these organisms directly when they ingest plastic toxins. Its consequences affect the whole planet and its inhabitants: it threatens ocean health, the health of marine species, food safety and quality, human health, coastal tourism, and contributes to climate change. Marine debris is mainly discarded human rubbish which floats on, or is suspended in the ocean. This is because its harmful effects dont spare any animal or plant in the food chain, ranging from large terrestrial animals to microscopic plankton. What does plastic pollution do to sea turtles? As mentioned previously, stormwater poses a threat to people as it affects water quality. Only 1.5 percent of the ocean has been declared a protected area, leaving most of the ocean open to fishing fleets that can harm and deplete fisheries. Shockingly, more than 80 percent Also, according to National Geographic, a whopping 91% of plastic is not recycled, despite plastic being the greatest enemy of ocean water.Recycling helps keep these plastics out of the ocean and reduces the amount of new plastic in circulation. Abandoned plastic fishing nets and longlines known as ghost gear is also a large source, making up about 10% of plastic waste at sea. Polluted air, when inhaled by humans and animals, can affect their health and cause respiratory problems. It Upsets the Food Chain. Plastic bags are often mistaken for jellyfish by leatherback turtles and consumed. Lastly, the excess pollution stormwater runoff can create in bodies of water can lead to an increase in water treatment costs. This can cause a whole slew of problems, each step further along the food chain. Plastic is particularly problematic as it doesnt degrade easily and can last in water for a long time. Eighty percent of marine debris is plastic. Due to the widespread use of plastics, experts estimate that 4.812.7 million tons of waste enter the ocean each year. Ingesting plastics isnt a harmless mistake, the consumption of this man-made material can cost sea turtles their lives. Hungry animals usually smell food in plastic containers and bags. Plastic tends to float and bobbing on the surface can lead them to be mistaken for other marine life. Once animals consume it, ingested plastic can pierce internal organs or cause fatal intestinal blockages; it also leads to starvation, because a stomach crammed with plastic gives an However, their curiosity and desire for food often cause them to get their heads, feet or wings trapped in the plastic. It is this property along with the fact it can be molded easily into any shape and cheap cost that makes plastic so attractive for all sorts of uses from straws to bags to fast food containers. 4) _____. Polar bears rely on the sea ice of the Arctic Ocean to hunt for seals. We see how marine species are being killed by all the plastic we are dumping in the ocean. Plastic and garbage can enter Images from the Midway Atoll have illustrated this problem to shocking effect when photographer Chris Jordan captured the remains of albatross, stomachs full of plastic pieces because they accidentally made a meal from our discarded waste. Why it is Vital to Prevent Plastic Pollution.
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how does plastic affect animals in the ocean