We’re all aware of microplastics and the significant harm they’re inflicting on our oceans and aquatic life. Microplastics are a major part of the issue. Not only these tiny plastic particles themselves that are harmful but also the chemicals that leach out into the water. It’s these chemicals they are treated with that make them mouldable or flame retardant. They include detrimental chemicals such as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and polychlorinated biphenyls.

The plastic waste littering our oceans threatens the lives of millions of marine animals. Seals, whales, dolphins, seabirds, fish, crabs and many other sea animals are dying and becoming sick because of this deadly environmental concern. Approximately five million to 14 million tons flow into our oceans from coastal areas per year. Sunlight, wind, waves, and heat break down that material into smaller bits that look—to plankton, bivalves, fish, and even whales—a lot like food.

The increasing volume of ghost gear in our oceans increases the volume of microplastics will increase too. Nets and other man-made equipment can entangle and kill whales, dolphins, turtles, seals and other sea animals.

Also, read A Plague Of Plastics
80% of microplastics are from land-based sources, like bottles and bags. Every year five million to 14 million tons flow into our oceans from coastal areas. There often are tiny bits of plastic in the fish and shellfish we eat. Scientists are racing to figure out what that means for our health