“In 1975 the worlds fishing fleet alone dumped into the sea approximately 135,400 tons of plastic fishing gear and 23,600 tons of synthetic packaging material. It has been estimated that merchant ships dump 639,000 plastic containers each day around the world. Recreational fishing and boats dispose approximately 52% of all rubbish dumped. It affects at least 267 species worldwide, including 86% of all sea turtle species, 44% of all seabird species, and 43% of all marine mammal species. A study done on 1033 birds collected off the coast of North Carolina in the USA found that individuals from 55% of the species recorded had plastic particles in their guts. The authors obtained evidence that some seabirds select specific plastic shapes and colors, mistaking them for potential prey items.” Source: José G.B Derraik :“The pollution of the marine environment by plastic debris: a review” Marine Pollution Bulletin.Volume 44, Issue 9, September 2002, Pages 842–852
Posted on: Sat, 16 Nov 2013 18:31:38 +0000
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