Marine creatures inevitably ingest plastic dumped into the ocean. A recent study demonstrated that even small amounts can be fatal. For example, less than three sugar cubes for Atlantic puffins, sciencealert reports. Analysis of over 10,000 individuals revealed that six plastic fragments smaller than a pea are likely to kill seabirds with a 90% probability. Soft plastic is particularly harmful to turtles, and fishing gear to mammals. Half of the studied creatures were endangered. The research emphasizes the importance of reducing plastic production, improving collection and recycling systems, and banning harmful substances such as balloons and plastic bags, as stated in the report. The study did not include the long-term effects of chemicals or the danger of entanglement. Plastic pollution is a significant threat to marine fauna and requires a comprehensive approach. Previously, scientists discovered over a thousand mysterious depressions on the ocean floor near Antarctica. According to a publication in the journal Frontiers in Marine Science, the pits turned out to be spawning grounds for stargazer sea bass, also known as yellowfin notothenioids.
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