Researchers on Lord Howe Island have discovered alarming levels of plastic in seabirds, including chicks, indicating severe pollution issues. Over nearly two decades, studies revealed seabirds like the sable shearwaters are consuming large plastic items, as seen in a recent case where a dead bird had 778 plastic pieces in its stomach. This discovery suggests that seabirds may mistake plastic for food, resulting in dire consequences for their health and the ecosystem. The findings underline the urgent need to address marine plastic pollution, an issue affecting wildlife on global scales.
"This isn't microplastics. We're talking items up to and including the size of bottle caps and tetra pack lids, cutlery, clothes pegs..."
"The harrowing finding of plastic in the stomach of birds... is a stark warning for the health of other species in the marine environment..."
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