Plastic pollution is a big problem for ocean life and the environment. Here are some important points to understand about how plastic harms the ocean:

Types of Plastic Pollution

1. Microplastics: These are tiny pieces of plastic that are less than 5mm long. They come from bigger plastics breaking down.
2. Macroplastics: These are larger pieces of plastic, like bags, bottles, and fishing nets.

Effects on Marine Animals

• Ingestion: Every year, around 1 million seabirds and 100,000 marine mammals die because they swallow plastic. Animals such as sea turtles and fish might eat plastic by mistake, which can lead to starvation and not getting enough nutrients.

• Entanglement: About 1 in 3 seabirds and nearly 25,000 marine mammals get caught in plastic trash each year. This can cause serious injuries or even death.

• Chemical Contamination: Plastics can pick up dangerous chemicals like PCBs and DDT. Fish that eat microplastics have been found to have up to 9 times more of these harmful substances in them.

Disruption of Ocean Ecosystems

• Loss of Biodiversity: Up to 1 million different marine species are threatened by plastic pollution. This affects the balance of the ocean's food chain and the health of the entire ecosystem.

• Settlement and Invasion: Plastics can attract tiny organisms that settle on them. This can lead to non-native species taking over, which can harm local ecosystems.

Concerns for Human Health

• Bioaccumulation: When fish eat microplastics, they can pass harmful toxins to humans when we eat the fish. Research shows that the average person may be eating up to 5,000 microplastic particles each year.

In short, plastic pollution poses a serious threat to marine life and ecosystems, leading to serious consequences for biodiversity and human health.