PLASTIC OCEAN June 2014 | Page 4

ENTANGLEMENT: Of the many issues that ocean trash causes, entanglement is one of the worst yet most common11. Items that we use commonly in our lives such as fishing lines, six pack rings, and strapping bands are plaguing our oceans with their overabundance. This not only causes great injuries among animals and interrupt the natural order of habitats, but it is responsible for killing marine wildlife year after year10. Ocean trash, or marine debris affects a wide range of species by making it hard for animals to eat, breathe, and swim. All of these can have fatal results. Because plastics, which make up the majority of ocean trash does not biodegrade6, it will continue to cause problems until it entangles, is ingested, or washes up on shore where it can present a whole new set of issues.

By, D. Larios