Impact of plastic in seabird

Impact of plastic in seabird: Recently, a study published in Environmental Pollution by experts from the University of California and the San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance highlighted that chemicals released from plastics ingested by seabirds can have harmful effects on their fertility, development, and behavior.

• Key Findings: Every year, approximately 8 million tonnes of plastic enter the ocean, posing a severe threat to marine wildlife, particularly seabirds like albatrosses, petrels, and shearwaters. Seabirds ingest plastic due to their foraging behavior, which remains in their stomachs for extended periods.

o The research examined Procellariiformes, a group of birds with high plastic ingestion rates, specifically northern fulmars, known for their exposure to floating plastic debris.

o Eating plastic releases harmful chemicals in seabirds, messing with their hormones and causing long-lasting effects.

o Nearly 70% of birds experience hormonal changes for up to two weeks, causing long-term effects beyond just physical harm.