What are the Specific Stories of Animals Affected by Plastic?
There is a story about a whale that was found dead on the beach with over 80 plastic bags in its stomach. It had mistaken these bags for food while foraging in the ocean. This shows how plastic can deceive animals into consuming non - edible items. Another story is of a hermit crab using a plastic bottle cap as a shell replacement because natural shells are becoming scarce due to pollution. But the plastic cap doesn't provide the same protection or proper fit as a natural shell.
One of the sad stories involves penguins. In some polluted areas, penguins have been found with plastic debris in their nests. This plastic likely got there when the penguins were collecting materials for nesting. The chicks in these nests are exposed to the plastic, which can cause harm. For example, they might ingest small pieces of plastic while the parents are trying to feed them. In addition, many shorebirds are affected. They walk along the beaches where plastic waste accumulates. They can step on sharp plastic pieces, causing injuries to their feet, and also ingest plastic while pecking at the sand for food.
A story that has drawn a lot of attention is about sea lions. Sea lions are very curious animals. They often play with floating objects in the water, which unfortunately now includes a large amount of plastic. Some sea lions have been found with plastic fishing lines wrapped around their flippers or necks. This restricts their movement and can lead to infections if the plastic cuts into their skin. Also, in coral reef areas, fish are at risk. The coral reefs themselves are being damaged by plastic pollution. Fish that rely on the reefs for shelter and food are then exposed to more plastic as it accumulates in the reef environment. This can lead to a decrease in fish populations and disrupt the entire ecosystem.
