URGENT: Plastic Pollution Devastates Marine Life, Threatens Ecosystems

Breaking News: Plastic Pollution Devastates Marine Life, Threatens Ecosystems Scientists have revealed alarming findings from 10,000 marine animal autopsies, exposing the devastating impact of plastic pollution on marine life. Seabirds face a 90% chance of dying after swallowing just 23 pieces of plastic, while marine mammals reach similar danger at 29 pieces. Sea turtles need to ingest around 405 pieces to reach the same threshold. The study found that even small amounts of plastic can be fatal, with a dolphin dying from ingesting less than a soccer ball's worth of soft plastic by volume. A seabird can die from ingesting just a few pieces of rubber smaller than the size of a pea. Plastic pollution poses a serious risk to sea birds from injury and poisoning, and the findings could help shape global efforts to protect wildlife. "It's a really important reminder that plastic pollution does pose an existential threat to ocean wildlife," said lead researcher, Dr Erin Murphy of the US-based environment group, Ocean Conservancy. The study's results highlight the urgent need for action to address plastic pollution in our oceans. Governments and organizations are already working to reduce plastic waste and promote sustainable practices, but more needs to be done to protect marine life. This is a developing story, with ongoing efforts to address the issue and prevent further harm to marine ecosystems. We will continue to provide updates as more information becomes available.