Last year The Marine Mammal Center admitted over 1,700 patients; more than any other year since we began operations in 1975.
Many of these patients are suffering from the devastating effects of marine debris found in our oceans and caused by human carelessness.
Seals and sea lions can become entangled in all sorts of common trash items, including packing straps, plastic six pack rings from canned beverages, and even helium balloon ribbons and strings.
These items have extremely harmful consequences that can cause the animals to stop swimming, eating, and breathing. And as the animal grows, the entanglements tighten and choke it, creating massive wounds, which can result in death.
The Center has also seen an increase in the number of malnourished and starving sea lions. These animals are even more at risk of ingesting marine debris because they simply think it is food.
PLEDGE TO CARE
I commit to counteracting human carelessness with care and protect marine mammals and our waterways from marine debris by:
1) Cutting six-pack rings and other plastic straps and packing materials with scissors, then putting them in recycling bins
2) Limiting my use of plastic grocery bags
3) Limiting my use of balloons; when I do use balloons I will make sure I dispose of them properly and will not release them into the sky
Learn more at The Marine Mammal Center and sign up to receive our e-newsletter to stay informed. Thank you for caring!
