What is a significant impact of plastic pollution on marine life?

Plastic pollution has a profound and negative impact on marine life primarily through two significant mechanisms: ingestion and entanglement.

Many marine organisms, including fish, seabirds, and marine mammals, mistakenly ingest plastic debris, mistaking it for food. This can lead to serious health issues, such as internal injuries, starvation, and poisoning from toxic substances present in the plastics. The ingestion of microplastics, which are small plastic particles that result from the degradation of larger plastic items, is particularly concerning as they can accumulate in the food web, impacting not just individual organisms but entire ecosystems.

Moreover, entanglement is another catastrophic consequence of plastic pollution, where animals become trapped in discarded fishing gear, plastic bags, and other debris. This entrapment can lead to restricted movement, injury, and even death for species such as turtles, seals, and birds.

By affecting the health and survival of individual species, plastic pollution detrimentally alters marine ecosystems, ultimately influencing biodiversity, food security, and the overall health of our oceans. This makes it clear that the significant impact of plastic pollution on marine life lies in the harm caused by ingestion and entanglement.