Microplastic particles are now ubiquitous in ocean environments and wildlife tissues, with evidence of physiological harm, reproductive impairment, and behavioral changes affecting marine and terrestrial species.
Microplastic ingestion causes physical blockages, chemical toxicity from associated pollutants, and inflammation in wildlife across ecosystems. Birds fed plastic-laden prey show reduced growth and survival. Fish exposed to microplastics show behavioral changes including reduced predator avoidance. The ubiquity of microplastic contamination makes this a welfare concern for virtually every wild animal population.