You surely have heard about plastic waste and the damages it can cause to our ocean. However, have you ever heard about the term plasticosis? This may be a new term for some of you, but for experts this has been a lurking horror for quite some time.
Plasticosis is more than direct impact of plastic waste to the marine ecosystem. It lays down even more dangers if we don’t do anything about it. So, both directly and indirectly it will harm our ocean, and even the whole planet eventually.
Want to know more about our new enemy? Here is what you need to know about it and how can we fight it.
What is Plasticosis?
First thing first, we need to understand about it. Plasticosis is a term used to describe the harmful effects of plastic pollution on seabirds. You see, plastic is a material that is used to make many things we use in our daily lives, like bottles, bags, and wrappers. Unfortunately, a lot of this plastic ends up in the ocean, where it becomes a big problem for seabirds.
Seabirds have a hard time distinguishing between plastic and real food. They often mistake small pieces of plastic for fish or other things they like to eat. This can be really dangerous for them. When seabirds eat plastic, it can make them very sick.
Imagine eating something that your body can’t digest or get rid of. That’s what happens to seabirds when they eat plastic. It can block their digestive system and make them feel full, even though they haven’t eaten enough nutritious food. This means they don’t get the energy and nutrients they need to stay healthy.
Sometimes, seabirds can also get tangled in plastic debris, like fishing nets or six-pack rings. This can make it difficult for them to fly, swim, or find food. They can get injured or even die because of this. It can make them weak, unable to reproduce successfully, and even lead to their death.
Why Seabirds are Vulnerable to Plasticosis?
Seabirds, like albatrosses and shearwaters, are especially vulnerable to plasticosis because of how they search for food. These birds rely on the ocean to find their meals, and unfortunately, plastic pollution is widespread in many areas where they feed.
You see, seabirds have a natural instinct to look for food floating on the surface of the water. They might mistake floating bits of plastic for tasty fish or other treats. Since there’s so much plastic in the ocean, it’s easy for them to accidentally swallow it instead of real food.
Albatrosses and shearwaters, in particular, spend a lot of time flying over vast stretches of the ocean in search of prey. These areas often have a lot of plastic debris floating on the surface, making it more likely for them to encounter and consume plastic.
Another reason why these birds are at risk is because they have special feeding habits. They often dive into the water to catch fish, which means they come into contact with more plastic waste. It’s like a dangerous trap for them because they can’t tell the difference between plastic and their actual prey.
These behaviors, combined with the high amount of plastic in their feeding areas, make albatrosses and shearwaters more prone to the harmful effects of plasticosis.
Impacts on Seabirds Population
Plasticosis has a significant impact on seabird populations. When seabirds ingest plastic, it can cause them a lot of harm and affect their overall health.
Imagine eating something that your body cannot break down or get rid of. That’s what happens to seabirds when they swallow plastic. The plastic can get stuck in their digestive system and create blockages, preventing the normal flow of food. As a result, seabirds may feel full even though they haven’t eaten enough real food. This leads to malnutrition and a lack of important nutrients that their bodies need to stay healthy.
Ingesting plastic can also cause internal injuries to the organs of seabirds. Sharp or jagged pieces of plastic can damage their stomachs or intestines, causing pain and discomfort. These injuries can become very serious and even life-threatening for the birds.
The consequences of plasticosis go beyond individual health issues. Seabirds rely on their health and strength to successfully reproduce and raise their young. But when they are affected by plasticosis, their ability to reproduce declines. This means fewer baby seabirds are being born, which puts the entire population at risk.
Unfortunately, some seabirds even die as a result of plasticosis. The ingestion of large amounts of plastic can lead to starvation, organ failure, or suffocation, causing a significant increase in mortality rates among seabirds.
What Can We Do?
To protect seabirds and the health of our oceans, efforts to mitigate plastic pollution and raise awareness are crucial. It’s important to spread awareness about the harmful effects of plasticosis on seabirds. Many people may not realize how their plastic waste ends up in the ocean and how it impacts these beautiful birds. By educating individuals, communities, and even children about the problem, we can promote responsible behavior and encourage the reduction of plastic waste in our daily lives.
Additionally, it’s crucial to implement measures to reduce plastic waste at its source. This includes initiatives like promoting the use of reusable bags, bottles, and containers instead of single-use plastics. Encouraging recycling and supporting policies that regulate plastic production and disposal can also make a significant difference.
Cleaning up existing plastic debris in our oceans is another important step. Organizations and volunteers around the world organize beach cleanups and ocean cleanup projects to remove plastic waste from coastlines and marine environments. By actively participating in these efforts or supporting them, we can directly contribute to the protection of seabirds and their habitats.
Collaboration between governments, industries, and individuals is key. Governments can enact stricter regulations on plastic production and implement effective waste management systems. Industries can explore alternative packaging materials and sustainable practices. Individuals can make conscious choices in their consumption habits and actively participate in reducing plastic waste.
Sources:
Leave a Reply