The visit of thousands of people to the beaches leads to an increase in waste. The most common is plastic (bags, drink lids, wrappers). It is also the most fatal for marine fauna.
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Some marine species (seagulls and turtles) ingest pieces of plastic that they mistake for food. This is dangerous because the animal can die from an obstruction in its digestive system.
Other species, such as birds that dive into the water (e.g. pelicans), die of hunger because their beaks become blocked. Turtles and seals die when trapped in plastic debris for long periods of time.
When you go to your favorite beach, you might find trash that someone else threw there. It's not your trash, but it's YOUR BEACH, YOUR SEA, YOUR WORLD and you should do something about it. We are all responsible for the survival of marine species!
Some data to think about:
• A plastic lid can remain unchanged in the sea for more than a century. A nylon bag takes several decades to degrade.
• 25% from North Atlantic and Mediterranean fish have plastic remains in their intestines.
• A 12-metre sperm whale stranded on the Adriatic coast had 50 plastic bags found in its throat.
• A 6kg turtle that died in Hawaii had almost 2kg of plastic in its intestines.
• 25% from North Atlantic and Mediterranean fish have plastic remains in their intestines.
• A 12-metre sperm whale stranded on the Adriatic coast had 50 plastic bags found in its throat.
• A 6kg turtle that died in Hawaii had almost 2kg of plastic in its intestines.
What can we do?
• Choose and consume products without excessive packaging.
• Promotes and supports recycling.
• If you fish, do not throw fishing lines or plastics into the water. These harm marine life, eventually causing their death. • Do not throw away bags, soda and beer containers, suntan lotion bottles, plates, glasses, etc. Take home all waste that could be harmful to marine life.
Besides:
· Next time you go to the beach, take a few minutes to pick up any trash you find. · Organize a group to clean up the nearest beach.
· Invent plastic collection competitions and games that promote beach cleanliness. · Ask the authorities to clean the beaches regularly. · Ask the municipalities what you can do with the collected waste.
And you, how many dolphins, how many birds, how many sea lions will you save this season?
Adaptation for Ecuador: Ballenita Magazine Si
Taken from Ecoeduca Chile
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