Ingestion

Many shoreline litter items look like food to unsuspecting birds and marine animals. Sea turtles often mistake plastic bags for jellyfish, and Trumpeter swans will swallow lead shotgun casings, confusing them with grit.

The results of these mistakes can be devastating.

Animals can choke while trying to swallow items like plastic bags, or may neglect proper feeding because they feel full after consuming the debris. In the case of the swans, the ingestion of lead casings often results in lead poisoning and death.

Canadian Case Study

In 1997, a young Harbour Porpoise was found dead on a beach near Pictou, Nova Scotia. The porpoise was visibly emaciated. An examination of its esophagus revealed a balled up piece of plastic that was completely blocking the opening to its stomach. Several intact fish were found just before the blockage.

It was apparent that the ingested plastic had blocked the esophagus, leaving the young porpoise unable to swallow prey items.

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