More than 75% of seabirds found with plastic in their stomachs; one had 894 pieces

Off the coast of Australia, researchers have discovered a troubling trend among seabirds on Lord Howe Island. A study published in Earth's Futures reveals that over 75% of sable shearwaters, commonly known as flesh-footed shearwaters, have plastic in their stomachs. In one shocking case, a bird was found with a staggering 894 pieces of plastic inside its body, a number far exceeding the previous record of 403 pieces recorded in 2023.

The plastic found in these birds' stomachs ranges from everyday items like bottle caps, balloon clips, and toothbrush heads to smaller plastics such as straws and nurdles - tiny plastic pellets. These birds, despite their voracious appetite, are effectively starving to death due to the sheer volume of plastic in their digestive systems. Normally eating small fish and squid, sable shearwaters spend the majority of their lives at sea where food can be scarce. Over 90% of their diet consists of these marine creatures.

Feeding habits have evolved to accommodate whatever food is available. Unfortunately, this flexibility makes them vulnerable to the growing problem of ocean plastic pollution. When plastic enters the marine ecosystem, the birds mistake it for food, consuming large amounts along with their regular diet. This can lead to a condition where their stomachs are full of plastic, leaving no room for actual food.

The situation is exacerbated by climate change. Rising ocean temperatures force the fish and squid these birds depend on to migrate to deeper waters, making them harder to catch. Extreme weather events also contribute to the problem by carrying more plastic into marine environments. While sable shearwaters are classified as Near Threatened globally, researchers on Lord Howe Island believe the problem is particularly severe and urgent.

They emphasize the need for coordinated global action to reduce plastic production and prevent waste from entering the oceans.