Marine Animal Welfare

Seabird Ingestion of Marine Plastic Debris

Seabirds mistake plastic fragments for food, leading to gut impaction, reduced foraging success, and population-level impacts.

Key Facts

Plastic has been found in 90% of seabird species examined
Albatrosses feed plastic to chicks, causing malnutrition and death
Plastic in stomachs reduces feeding capacity and causes a false sense of fullness
Microplastics transfer toxic chemicals through the food chain
Some species show strong evolutionary attraction to scent of plastic debris

Welfare Considerations

Individual seabirds suffering from plastic ingestion experience hunger, lethargy, and impaired reproduction. At population level, plastic pollution threatens species that are already declining due to bycatch and climate change.

What You Can Do

Reduce single-use plastic consumption to decrease marine debris
Participate in beach clean-up events to remove existing debris
Support policies restricting most harmful plastic types