An IMAS-led study of seabirds that had ingested plastic debris has revealed a range of non-lethal impacts on their health and physiology.
An IMAS-led study of seabirds that had ingested plastic debris has revealed a range of non-lethal impacts on their health and physiology.
While seabird deaths due to swallowing plastic debris or becoming entangled in it have received global attention, the non-lethal effects on seabirds that survive plastic ingestion are less well-known.
The study led by IMAS’ Dr Jennifer Lavers and published in the journalEnvironmental Science & Technology has found that plastic ingestion can have a significant negative impact even on superficially healthy seabirds.
The research, which included scientists from Lord Howe Island Museum and the UK’s Natural History Museum, analysed blood and plastic samples collected from Flesh-footed Shearwaters on Lord Howe Island.
Read more at University of Tasmania
Image: Lead author Dr Jennifer Lavers processing a blood sample from a Flesh-footed shearwater. (Credit: Cameron Muir)
