Seals v. Debris and Pollution

 


While the image pictured above may seem cute and loveable, there are so many different instances where the plastic and debris cause so much more harm than just a pair of goggles. Marine plastic debris is one of the most pressing environmental problems facing the world today. However, the Hout Bay Seal Rescue Center agrees that the most tragic consequences of  plastic pollution in the ocean are animal entanglements. However, this is not a sustainable solution. Ghost gear makes up an estimated 10% of the plastic waste in our oceans." (Krynauw, 2020) The peak breeding season for cape fur seals is  November and December. These very young puppies are often ill or injured and require veterinary care and special feeding.

Organizations all over the world are working to create better living environments for the seals within the ocean. Small pieces of plastic appear in seal dropping that feed other fish, showing how contaminants from the ocean move through the food chain. In recent years, researchers have discovered seals. Seals do not move and live in this area all year round, so they are affected by pollution. Biologists use tissue samples of live and dead lizards to monitor sound health and use for PCB levels, flame retardants known as PBDEs, pesticides, and other toxic waste. Measure the number of chemicals that are made. These toxins are passed on from generation to generation through breast milk. It is in the main basin of Puget Sound than in other parts of Puget Sound.

Microplastics and bio-accumulative microplastics are plastic particles smaller than 5 mm. Many other posts on this blog describe microplastics and how they affect the ocean. Even seals are unaffected by microplastics. One way to think about it is to fill the tub with a slow leak. For example, if a seal eats a lot of fish, it also eats the microplastic in the fish. This is part of an ongoing assessment of the threat of bioaccumulation to apex predators.

CALL TO ACTION: There are so many different organizations that are working toward the helping of seals against pollution. So of them being: International Fund for Animal Welfare, Sea Shepherd Conservation Society, Seal Protection Namibia, and Seal Protection Action Group. There are so many opportunities that for you to donate or further your knowledge on the topic. Please click the organization names to get more information. And remember every little thing helps, rather it be donating or sharing their page for others to see.

References

Carr, S. (2021, September 23). Seal is pictured with swimming goggles stuck around its neck - sparking warnings over the dangers of plastic pollution in the sea. In Daily Mail. Retrieved from https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-10020939/Seal-Hornsey-Beach-stuck-swimming-goggles-sea-pollution.html

How plastic pollution is affecting seals and other marine life. (2017, November 17). In World Animal Protection. Retrieved from https://www.worldanimalprotection.org/news/how-plastic-pollution-affecting-seals-and-other-marine-life

Krynauw, K. (2020, July 23). Plastic Pollution is making our seals suffer!. In GreenPeace. Retrieved from https://www.greenpeace.org/africa/en/blogs/11711/plastic-pollution-is-making-our-seals-suffer/#:~:text=Once%20entangled%20in%20this%20plastic,caused%20by%20negligent%20human%20behaviour.

Toxic Seals: Our Polluted Waters. (n.d.). In Seal Sitters. Retrieved from https://www.sealsitters.org/dangerous_waters/toxic_seals.html


Image References

Boyle, J. (Photographer). (2020). Seal swimming with goggle entangled around its neck. [Image of photograph]. Horsey Beach, Norfolk; SWNS. Retrieved from https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2021/09/23/13/48287739-10020939-image-a-50_1632398431986.jpg 





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