Responsible for millions of deaths each year, humans are the most dangerous species to ever dwell on planet Earth. The ocean covers over than 71 percent of the Earth’s surface and is home to over 1 million species of animals and plants. However, its residents are currently endangered by a new threat: pollution. Due to our own daily actions, over 1 million seabirds and 100,000 sea mammals are killed by pollution each year. This crime should be considered no less than murder.

In recent news, research carried out by Plymouth Marine Laboratory, North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission, North Carolina State University, Duke University Marine Lab, and James Cook University shocks us about how little we know and reveals that plastic pollution causes serious harm to marine life. This research sheds light on the hazards of plastic pollution and how all seven species of sea turtles are severely jeopardized by it. Across the entire ocean area, sea turtles were found worldwide entangled in plastic and containing plastic in their stomach. Because sea turtles were often entangled in plastic debris, they were dragged down by the weight and died of starvation and drowning. Without the prevention of plastic pollution, more and more of marine life will be put in jeopardy.

With no way to sugarcoat it, we are the reason of this global problem. However, it is never too late to fix one’s own mistakes. By reducing the amount of plastic pollution through methods such as recycling, we could minimize the amount of casualties and prevent future disasters. As we speak, thousands of marine lives are currently in danger of plastic pollution, and only you call save them. Furthermore, we are responsible for every single harmful act done to animals and the environment due to our selfish and careless decisions.