Another story about plastic waste, but this time it affects sharks.
Yet another study that shows us just how terrible the harmful effects of plastic can be, and this time on foxes. According to a new report published in the journal Endangered Species Research, there are at least 1,000 sharks in the ocean that lead miserable lives. From thrown fishing nets to plastic ropes and plastic bottles, these creatures are partially trapped in the plastic waste produced by humans.
Specifically, the study looked at the effects of plastic waste on cartilaginous fish species – including sharks, rays … just by analyzing and collecting cases posted on the festival’s social media.
As a result, they found over 1,000 cases of fish stuck in the garbage – a number considered quite high because so far there have been very few studies on the history of sharks and rays trapped in the garbage. garbage.
“The best example is a mako shark with a fishing line wrapped around its body,” quotes Kristian Parton.
“The fishing line has been attached to it since childhood, and it appears to continue to grow in this state. As a result, the line forms a tight ring on the skin, negatively affecting the spine and causing excruciating pain. “
Of the 47 cases reported in more than 20 scientific studies, experts have found that at least 16 shark families with 34 species are affected by human waste. Almost three quarters of these are related to “fishing gear thrown into the marine environment” – also known as “ghost fishing gear”.
Nets, traps, fishing lines … for some reason were left in the sea and then became deadly traps for marine life. And yet an estimated 1:10 rate of marine life is entangled in plastic ropes – the kind used to tie goods, plastic bags, rubber bands …
Studies show that marine plastic entanglement incidents occur primarily in the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans, with rates of 49% and 46% respectively. 95% of them are linked to “ghost fishing gear”
According to experts, fishing nets and plastic waste are not necessarily a threat to the survival of sharks, but their impact is certainly not negligible.
“Although not to the point of destroying sharks, the impact on other species is terrible. Plastic is currently one of the biggest threats in the ocean,” Parton said.
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