Wildlife

Marine Debris and Seabird Welfare

Marine debris including plastic, fishing line, and hooks causes widespread seabird welfare harm through entanglement and ingestion.

Key Facts

Over 80% of seabird species have ingested plastic debris
Entanglement in fishing line causes wing injuries preventing flight
Ghost fishing gear continues to trap and kill seabirds years after loss
Beach debris reduction programs reduce marine debris entering seabird habitat

Welfare Considerations

Seabirds entangled in fishing line suffer amputations of wings or legs as line constricts circulation. Hook ingestion causes internal hemorrhage and prevents feeding. Plastic ingestion fills stomachs preventing nutrition. Ghost gear traps birds in underwater nets causing drowning. Each of these hazards represents a preventable, prolonged welfare harm caused by human activities in marine environments.

What You Can Do

Participate in beach cleanup events
Properly dispose of all fishing line and equipment
Support ghost gear retrieval programs
Advocate for extended producer responsibility for fishing gear