Effects on ecosystems

Shoreline litter can harm ecosystems in a number of ways:

It can smother plants and small organisms, and block light needed for photosynthesis.
It can transport organisms such as fungi, mollusks and insects to areas where they wouldn’t normally be found. These alien species often end up damaging their new habitats.
It can degrade water quality. Discarded items such as paint cans, oilcans and batteries leak dangerous chemicals into the water, and plastic can release a number of toxins when it breaks down.