Marine Life

Marine Debris and Wildlife Welfare

Marine debris causes suffering and death for millions of marine animals annually through ingestion, entanglement, and habitat degradation.

Key Facts

8 million tonnes of plastic enter the ocean annually
Entanglement in marine debris kills over 100,000 marine mammals and sea turtles annually
95% of Northern Fulmars examined in UK surveys carry plastic in their stomachs
Ghost fishing gear continues to catch and kill marine animals for years after loss
Microplastics have been found in the bodies of virtually every marine species examined

Welfare Considerations

Entanglement in marine debris causes drowning, amputation of limbs, and starvation as animals cannot feed effectively. Seabirds that feed plastic to their chicks cause starvation as the plastic fills the stomach without providing nutrition. Ghost gear injury affects animals for the duration of their entanglement, which can last months. The scale of suffering caused by marine debris across millions of individuals represents a preventable welfare catastrophe.

What You Can Do

Reduce single-use plastic consumption in all areas of life
Participate in beach and river clean-up events
Report significant ghost gear sightings to fishing authorities
Support plastic reduction legislation and extended producer responsibility
Choose products with minimal or recyclable packaging