Microplastics: A Growing Threat to Ocean Health

Tiny bits of plastic called microplastics are causing big problems in our oceans. They're really small, less than 5 millimetres in size and come from things like breaking down bigger plastic, tiny beads in our soap, and fibres from clothes. These little plastics can easily be eaten by sea animals, from tiny plankton to big fish and can build up in their bodies, which is not good for them or us.

When sea creatures eat microplastics, it can hurt them inside, block their stomachs and pass on harmful stuff. These small plastic pieces can also carry bad things and unwelcome animals over long distances, messing up the balance of sea life. Since microplastics stick around for a long time without going away, they're a big problem for the health of the oceans. To help, we need to tell more people about this issue, get better at throwing away our trash and come up with new ways to use less plastic.

Everyone - people, companies, and governments - need to work together to stop microplastics from causing more harm. By spreading the word, improving how we handle waste, and coming up with new ideas to use less plastic, we can make the oceans cleaner and safer for all the animals living there. Taking care of the oceans and stopping microplastics isn't just good for the animals. It's also important for our planet and the kids who will come after us.