Seal Pup Rescued on New Jersey Shore After Found Tangled in Plastic
On Wednesday, February 21st, CBS News shared a story about a female seal pup who was found on a shore in New Jersey with plastic from a case of water bottles wrapped around her neck. They shared a heartbreaking photo of the pup, and it will make you rethink what you are throwing away.
The pup was found on the shores of Beach Haven, and the Marine Mammal Stranding Center worked quickly to remove the plastic from her body. She was then taken to their care center and given food and electrolytes. She's currently recovering before she'll be released back to her ocean home.
This video made me so sad! The little seal pup was probably curious about what the plastic was and didn't realize that it could be a danger to her. I'm glad that they found her before it was too late, and that she'll make a full recovery. One @CBS News commenter shared, "Subscribe to @Ocean Conservation Namibia. They do this on a daily basis & it’s frightening how much debris is in our oceans."
Related: Video of New Rescue Seal Pup at the Cornish Seal Sanctuary Has Us Obsessed
How to Protect Animals in the Ocean
Marine debris is a huge problem around the world. Not only is it sad to see shorelines filled with pieces of trash, but it's also heartbreaking to see the animals in the ocean who get entangled in it or try to eat it. When they eat the trash and debris, it can cause animals to suffer from internal injuries, intestinal blockages, and even starvation.
But marine debris doesn't just hurt animals, it can also damage boats and other vessels. The debris is sometimes hidden below the surface, and a boat hitting it can end up with a tangled propeller or clogged intake.
Marine organisms can also attach themselves to the debris, and since this debris can travel thousands of miles in the ocean due to wind and tides, these organisms end up where they shouldn't be, and often have devastating effects on fisheries and local ecosystems.
So how do we fix it? It starts with each one of us. If you are on a boat or spending the day at the beach, make sure your trash is properly discarded when you leave and don't allow any trash to blow away. Consider using reusable storage containers and things that can be recycled. You can volunteer to pick up trash from shorelines or areas near waters. Educate your children and families about the dangers of trash in our oceans and educate yourself! The more you know, the more power you have to help create positive changes.
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