New Report Shows How Ocean Plastic Is Affecting Endangered Species

Oceana, an organization helping to save oceans, released a report examining the plastics crisis in the ocean. And it’s not pretty.

By surveying various government agencies, organizations, and institutions that collect data on ocean plastic’s impact on marine animals, Oceana found that in the past decade nearly 1,800 animals from 40 different species have swallowed or become entangled in plastic. 88% of those species are listed under the Endangered Species Act.

How does this all happen? 

Both deliberately and by accident. When plastic enters the ocean, marine animals might mistake it for food and swallow it. On the other hand, they may also consume small plastic fragments by accident while feeding or swimming. Either way, ocean plastic has clearly become an issue.

“This report shows a wide range of single-use plastic jeopardizing marine animals, and it’s not just the items that first come to mind, like bags, balloons and bottle caps,” said Dr. Kimberly Warner, report author and senior scientist at Oceana. “These animals are consuming or being entangled in everything from zip ties and dental flossers to those mesh onion bags you see at the grocery store.”

How exactly do these plastic products harm marine animals? 

They can have long-term effects on animals’ well-being. For example, once plastic is swallowed, it can permanently damage the organs of marine animals, leading to losing the ability to feed and therefore starving. When animals become entangled in plastic, they can drown, choke to death or suffer physical trauma. 

What can we do about it?

As you can see, plastic is literally choking, strangling and drowning marine life. According to Christy Leavitt, report author and plastics campaign director at Oceana, “Plastic production is expected to quadruple in the coming decades, and if nothing changes, the amount of plastic flowing into the ocean is projected to triple by 2040. The only way to turn off the tap and protect our oceans is for companies to stop producing unnecessary single-use plastic — and that will require national, state and local governments to pass policies ensuring they do.”