CSIRO Australia. (2015, August 31). Plastic in 99 percent of seabirds by 2050. ScienceDaily. Retrieved November 22, 2015 from www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2015/08/150831163739.htm
In a study conducted by Dr Chris Wilcox, Dr Denise Hardesty, and Dr Erik van Sebille, over 60% of seabird species were found to have plastic in their stomach. Back in 1960, plastic was only found in the stomachs of less than 5% of individual birds, which rose to 80% by 2010. Based on this data, researchers predict that by 2050 approximately 99% of the world’s seabird species. Birds eat plastic because it is brightly colored and so is mistaken for food, and once it has entered their system can negatively affect the seabird’s health and the health of the ecosystem.
It’s unbelievable how many birds have consumed plastic, as well as how much plastic there has to be in the ocean for this many animals to consume it. This phenomenon is similar to that of the many species of sea turtle that are also eating plastic litter in the ocean. This pollution will eventually loop back to humans, harming us as we destroy the environment and eat animals who have ingested plastic. This shows the need for international laws about production and consumption, which will at least begin to limit humans’ pollution.
I think this is one of the saddest articles because there is so much plastic out there that we have made and thrown into the ocean where helpless birds eat the toxic plastic thinking it is food. It is also sad because it will take a long, long time for any of this plastic reduce or slightly break down so this problem will only persist. What are some laws of plastic reduction in our area?
This is most likely a result of our ignorance towards the impact we have on the environment and most people’s refusal to use recycling which leads to plastic in the ocean. How might we combat this issue?
It is really unfortunate to see how these animals are being affected due to the damage and pollution we’ve created. Are there laws or regulation that apply strictly to this problem? If so are they being enforced?
Whats unfortunate about this is that although we try to reduce our waste through recycling, developing countries do not have the resources to recycle so even as we try to mop up the mess we started it will keep getting added to for some time.