The Hidden Toll of Ocean Plastic

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Hundreds of thousands of sea turtles, whales, and other marine mammals—and more than one million seabirds—die each year from ocean pollution, often due to ingesting or becoming entangled in plastic.

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An estimated 17.6 billion pounds of plastic enter the ocean annually. Once in the environment, it’s often mistaken for food. Shorebirds and seabirds consume these materials, leading to injury, toxic exposure, and death.

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​​Plastic pollution is widespread: studies have found that up to 90% of seabirds have plastic in their stomachs. Even when it isn’t immediately fatal, ingestion can cause plasticosis—serious damage to the digestive system.

 

Microplastics add another layer of harm, with whales ingesting millions of particles daily, impacting their health and nutrition.

Research has shown that plastic can even smell like food to seabirds, making it all the more dangerous. And let's not forget that plastic bags look like food to sea turtles-a lethal misidentification. Whales 

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What Can You Do?

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Reducing plastic pollution starts with everyday choices:​

• Choose products with minimal or sustainable packaging

• Reduce single-use plastics whenever possible

• Reuse items instead of discarding them

• Recycle correctly and consistently

 

Small actions, multiplied across communities, can make a meaningful difference—for seabirds, marine life, and the health of our oceans.

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Learn More & Take Action

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For deeper insight and ways to help protect birds and marine life, visit the American Bird Conservancy.