Published August 2004
LGVN Oceans / Sea Pollution

Oceans Clogged by Invisible Pollution

Besides overfishing, microscopic litter is also to blame for the decline in ocean life.
Plastic based litter is polluting the world's sea and shorelines according to research carried out by Plymouth University. The report says that human debris in the ocean has up till now been underestimated. Tiny particles of plastics are ingested by barnacles, lugworms, crustaceans and plankton, which filter water for food. In turn, seabirds feed off these creatures. All the species in this chain are currently declining. Pollutive effects of millions of tons of the microscopic plastic waste from humans is thought to be a primary cause.

Off the American west coast starved gray whales are washing up dead on beaches in the highest numbers in a quarter-century. Some scientists believe the shrinking ocean food supply may be the problem.

More reports on marine destruction

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