Plastic risk in our seas

LARGE marine mammals are swallowing up to 171 plastic items every day throughout the world’s oceans.

A study concluded that microplastics are a major threat to filter-feeding animals such as whales and manta rays, which swallow thousands of litres of water a day to sift out the plankton they feed on.

The creatures are considered to be at high risk of exposure since many inhabit some of the most polluted waters.

Endangered whale sharks may be ingesting 171 items on a daily basis just in the waters of Baja California.