Plastic Pollution in the World's Oceans: Effects and Dangers to the Environment, Man and Marine Animals.

http://www.plasticoceans.net/. This website, Plastic Oceans, advocates the seriousness of plastic in our oceans and its harmful effects. Plastic pollution poses as a danger even to our economy. It costs the state of California an estimated $72 million per year to collect and dispose of one-time use disposable cups and bags. In addition, it costs California an estimated $52.2 million per year to attempt to keep our beaches clean. In total, the current annual costs to public agencies for litter prevention, cleanup, and disposal is $375.2 million. 1 million plastic cups are used just on airline flights in the US every 6 hours.  2 million plastic beverage bottles are used in the US every 5 minutes. Simple proper recycling can lower the percentage of plastic getting into the oceans and causing harmful effects.

Most of the plastic that invades our oceans isn't biodegradable so this means that once it arrives, the majority of plastic pollution will affect the marine ecosystem for decades or even centuries. Floating plastic particles look like food to many marine species – including the fish that we eat. Animals can suffocate on plastic pollution, such as plastic bags and six pack holders, which can block air passageways and/or inhibit normal growth patterns. A common example includes sea turtles who try and ingest plastic bags, mistaking them for jellyfish (their favorite food). Often the plastic bag is too large for the animal to digest and the turtle will suffocate. Compounds found in some plastics have been linked to cancer and hormone disruption.

           Plastic pollution is a symbol of our global over-consumption crisis. We must shift our societies away from disposable habits that poison our oceans and land by eliminating our consumption of throwaway plastics, and embracing a culture of sustainability. The most effective way to stop plastic pollution in our oceans is to make sure it never reaches the water in the first place. Despite the fact that only 0.05% of plastic pieces from surface waters are pellets, they comprise about 70% of the plastic eaten by seabirds. These small plastic particles have been found in the stomachs of 63 of the world's approximately 250 species of seabirds. Ocean pollution affects at least 267 species worldwide, including 86% of sea turtle species, 44% of all seabird species, and 43% of marine mammal species.

 

Here is a gorgeous film by Disney displaying the true beauty of the oceans and its animals.