FACTSHEET
PLASTIC POLLUTION
& MARINE MAMMALS
INFORM | AWARENESS | UNDERSTAND
PLASTIC POLLUTION
& MARINE MAMMALS
Marine mammals are showing us our future – we need to change our ways.
The FACTS
56% of the planet’s whale, dolphin and porpoise species have consumed plastic
How YOU can help
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Globally, 100,000 marine mammals die every year as a result of plastic pollution. This includes whales, dolphins, porpoises, seals and sea lions.
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An estimated 640,000 tonnes of the 12 million tonnes of plastic that enters the oceans every year is so-called ghost fishing equipment, gear that’s either deliberately jettisoned or washed from ships or shorelines.
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Just like us, marine mammals can't breathe underwater and the most common way that entanglement kills is through drowning.
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It’s estimated that 56% of the planet’s whale, dolphin and porpoise species have consumed plastic as their sophisticated use of sonar confuses plastic pollution as food.
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The declining health of ocean-going mammals, especially the increase in various cancers, sends an undeniable message to humans. Marine mammals are therefore showing us our future – unless we change our ways.
RECYCLE everything you can.
Use YOUR OWN cutlery, food containers and drink cups when getting takeaway, rather than using disposable alternatives.
JOIN IN with beach or community clean-ups.
ASK yourself whether you need plastic straws with your drinks.
TAKE ACTION and share these messages with the world
EXTRA RESOURCES
Sources: World Wildlife Fund Organisation, World Economic Forum, Blue Voice Organisation
Download the Plastic Pollution and Marine Mammals Fact Sheet to use as your own educational resource.
If you share our vision of eliminating plastic pollution in our oceans and preserving them for future generations to enjoy, then please get in touch.
