How does debris affect wildlife?

Entanglement
Fishing line, plastic bags, nets, six-pack rings, fishing nets, wire, and rope are all types of garbage in which animals can easily become entangled. Once entangled, animals are often unable to free themselves, which leads to exhaustion and drowning. Strong thin line can cause abrasions and infection. An animal’s ability to find food, escape predators and move through its environment would be impaired.

Ingestion
Aquatic animals can not always distinguish their food from garbage. As a result, plastics have commonly been found in the stomachs of birds, sea turtles, toothed whales and manatees. Ingestion causes internal injury, intestinal blockage or starvation. Some birds have even been seen feeding garbage to their young! Endangered Leatherback sea turtles often mistake plastic bags for their favorite meal, jellies. One sea turtle was recorded as having over 200 cigarette filters in its stomach!