Wildlife

Marine Debris and Wildlife Entanglement

Plastic pollution in the ocean entangles and injures millions of marine animals each year.

Key Facts

640,000 tonnes of fishing gear is lost or abandoned in oceans annually
Over 700 species have been documented entangled in or ingesting marine debris
Sea turtles, seabirds, seals, and whales are among the most affected
Entanglement causes drowning, starvation, and severe injury from constriction

Welfare Considerations

Ghost fishing gear — abandoned nets, lines, and traps — continues to catch and kill animals for decades after loss. Animals caught in plastic rings, fishing lines, or net fragments suffer prolonged deaths from suffocation, starvation, or injury. Ingested plastics cause blockages and toxicity. Marine debris is a preventable welfare crisis driven by inadequate waste management and fishing industry accountability.

What You Can Do

Participate in beach and ocean cleanup events
Reduce single-use plastic consumption
Support ghost gear retrieval programs
Advocate for extended producer responsibility for fishing gear