What problems does it cause for marine life?
• INGESTION of marine debris can cause damage to the digestive system of marine life, causing malnutrition or even starvation • SUFFOCATION can occur from plastic bags or plastic six pack holders, blocking passageways or normal growth • ENGAGLEMENT can occur when common items like fishing line, strapping bands and six-pack rings hamper the mobility of marine animals. Once entangled, animals have trouble eating, breathing or swimming, all of which can have fatal results. Plastic marine debris affects at least 267 species worldwide, including 86 percent of all sea turtle species, 44 percent of all sea bird species, and 43 percent of marine mammal species.
