VIDEO: The Deadly Result of Plastic in Our Ocean

Discover the deadly result of plastic pollution to a critically endangered species.

The Deadly Result of Plastic Pollution in Our Ocean

Plastic is complicated. On one hand, it provides an incredible amount of utility to humanity. On the other, it can be deadly if not disposed of properly.

The video above shows the deadly result of plastic pollution when it enters our ocean: a piece of critically endangered staghorn coral being suffocated to death.

This tragedy took place during a dive in Fort Lauderdale. We were happily strutting around a hidden field of staghorn coral when we stumbled upon the plastic bag. We removed it but what was underneath horrified us.

Staghorn Coral

Staghorn coral is a critically endangered species federally protected under the Endangered Species Act (ESA) in the United States. Out of all the types of coral, it may be the most important as it forms the basis for all other coral growth.

Decades ago, most of the coral reefs in the Caribbean and surrounding area consisted of staghorn coral. An abundance of life building up other forms a life. Unfortunately, in the 1980s, nearly 97% of the staghorn coral in the Western Atlantic and Caribbean were wiped out from white band disease. To add insult to injury, ocean conditions make staghorn reproduction extremely difficult today, if not impossible.

To learn more on staghorn coral, head to NOAA‘s information page!

Reducing Plastic Use

An easy way to reduce plastic in the ocean is to take ownership in our own lives. No, it won’t solve everything but it’s a step in the right direction! Here are some links to products we can highly recommend that have helped us reduce plastic use!

• Plastic Bags
• Snack and Sandwich Bags
• Straws
• Plastic Cups
• Plastic Bottles
• Silverware

READ MORE: 10 Eco-friendly Alternatives to Single-Use Plastic