Microplastics and Marine Animal Welfare

Microplastic pollution is now ubiquitous in marine environments and causes welfare harm to a vast range of marine animals.

Key Facts

Microplastics have been found in every marine environment including the deepest ocean trenches
Over 700 marine species have been documented with microplastic contamination
Fish gut microplastic concentrations can cause inflammation, immune disruption, and fertility effects
Seabirds feed microplastics to their chicks which accumulate in the stomach causing welfare harm
Turtles mistake clear microplastics for jellyfish prey leading to gut blockage and starvation

Welfare Considerations

Microplastic ingestion causes a range of welfare harms to marine animals. Physical blockage of digestive systems reduces nutritional uptake and causes a false sense of fullness leading to starvation. Chemical leaching from plastics including hormone disruptors affects reproduction and development. Inflammation from microplastic particles impairs immune function. The ubiquitous nature of contamination means virtually all marine species are affected with welfare consequences at a global scale.

What You Can Do

Reduce single-use plastic consumption and dispose of plastics responsibly
Support plastic treaty negotiations that mandate reduction at source
Install microplastic filters on washing machines to reduce fibre pollution
Participate in beach and waterway clean-up events
Advocate for extended producer responsibility legislation requiring plastic manufacturers to fund clean-up