Marine Plastic Pollution and Wildlife Welfare

Plastic pollution in the ocean causes suffering and death for millions of marine animals annually through entanglement, ingestion, and habitat degradation.

Key Facts

An estimated 8 million tonnes of plastic enter the ocean annually
Over 700 marine species are affected by plastic pollution
Ghost fishing gear accounts for an estimated 10% of all marine plastic
Microplastics are found in the deepest ocean trenches and in the bodies of most marine animals
Sea turtles, seabirds, and marine mammals are disproportionately affected by plastic ingestion

Welfare Considerations

Entangled animals suffer restriction of movement, inability to feed, drowning, and slow death from injury and exhaustion. Animals that ingest plastic may experience intestinal blockage, false satiation leading to starvation, and toxin accumulation. Ghost fishing gear continues to catch and kill animals indefinitely. The scale of plastic pollution means millions of individual animals experience these welfare harms every year. Source reduction, improved waste management, and beach clean programs all contribute to reducing the problem.

What You Can Do

Dramatically reduce single-use plastic consumption to reduce ocean plastic input
Participate in local beach and waterway clean events
Support extended producer responsibility legislation for plastic packaging
Choose seafood from fisheries with ghost gear retrieval programs