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Protect Dolphins from Drowning in Plastic

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Sponsor: Free The Ocean

Dolphins are exhaling plastic, suffocating from the pollution we created. Stand with us to protect the lives of these majestic creatures.


Dolphins, symbols of intelligence and grace, are being poisoned by plastic. In a shocking discovery, researchers have found that bottlenose dolphins are exhaling microplastics. Tiny fragments of plastic, invisible to the naked eye, are making their way into dolphins' lungs1. This means that dolphins, which rely on their large lung capacity for deep dives, are increasingly vulnerable to the microplastic particles polluting our oceans and air2.

For the first time, scientists have detected microplastics in the breath of these marine mammals, collected from dolphins living in the waters of Florida and Louisiana3. These particles, similar to those found in human lungs, come from everyday materials like clothing fibers and plastic packaging4. When ocean waves stir up plastic debris, it enters the air as microplastics, which dolphins — and possibly humans — then breathe in5.

This contamination doesn’t just affect dolphins. It’s a warning sign for us all. Dolphins are sentinel species, meaning their health reflects the state of their environment, and by extension, ours6. The microplastics they inhale contain harmful chemicals that have been linked to inflammation, tissue damage, and long-term health problems in both animals and humans3.

The Invisible Threat of Microplastics

Microplastics — pieces of plastic smaller than 5 millimeters — are now everywhere, from the deepest parts of the ocean to remote mountaintops. They come from the breakdown of larger plastics, entering the environment through improper waste disposal, synthetic clothing, and single-use plastics1. Each year, millions of tons of plastic waste enter the ocean, breaking down into tiny particles that pollute the water, the air, and now, as we’ve learned, the lungs of dolphins1.

What’s more alarming is that dolphins living in both rural and urban waters are exhaling microplastics. This shows that no place is safe from this pollution5. In densely populated areas, the problem is worse, but microplastics have been found even in areas far from human activity, highlighting the pervasive reach of this environmental crisis6.

Why We Need Urgent Action

Every breath a dolphin takes is a reminder of how our choices impact the world around us. But the situation is not hopeless. If we act now, we can reduce the amount of plastic entering the oceans, cutting down on the microplastics poisoning marine life. Our daily choices — from the materials we use to the products we buy — can reduce the flow of plastic waste that ends up in the air and water.

Reducing microplastics isn’t just about saving dolphins; it’s about protecting the entire marine ecosystem and human health. Dolphins are our warning system, showing us how far-reaching the plastic pollution problem has become. It’s up to us to turn the tide and protect these creatures — and ourselves — from further harm.

Take Action to Save Dolphins

Dolphins are literally breathing in the pollution we’ve created. We cannot stand by while our oceans, air, and marine life are suffocated by plastic. It’s time to take responsibility and commit to changing our habits. Reducing microplastic pollution starts with each of us.

Join us in demanding action to protect dolphins and our planet. Sign the petition now and pledge to reduce plastic waste in your own life. Every signature counts toward a future where dolphins can breathe clean air and swim in plastic-free oceans.

More on this issue:

  1. Leslie Hart, Miranda Dziobak, The Conversation (18 October 2024), "Microplastic pollution is everywhere, even in the exhaled breath of dolphins – new research."
  2. Liam Pritchett, Plant Based News (19 October 2024), "New Study Finds First Evidence of Microplastics in Dolphins’ Breath."
  3. Hiroko Tabuchi, The New York Times (16 October 2024), "These Scientists Tested Dolphin Breath. They Found Plastic."
  4. Tibi Puiu, ZME Science (17 October 2024), "Dolphins Are Exhaling Microplastics: What Does It Mean for Marine Life?"
  5. Taylor Nicioli, CNN (17 October 2024), "Wild Dolphins Found with Microplastics in Their Breath."
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The Pledge:

Microplastics have infiltrated every corner of our environment, from the air we breathe to the water our dolphins swim in. Dolphins, like many marine species, are now exhaling microplastics—an alarming sign of the deep damage our plastic use has caused. It's up to each of us to change our habits and protect these majestic creatures. By taking action now, we can slow the flow of microplastics into our oceans, ensuring a safer world for dolphins and all marine life.

I pledge to take these actions to reduce microplastics in the ocean and save dolphin lives:

  1. Avoid Single-Use Plastics:

    Pledge to stop using plastic straws, bags, and utensils. These items break down into microplastics, which easily enter our oceans and harm marine life.

  2. Use a Microplastic Filter in Your Washing Machine:

    Washing clothes releases tiny plastic fibers into water systems. A washing machine filter captures these fibers before they enter the ocean.

  3. Choose Natural Fibers Over Synthetics:

    Clothes made from synthetic materials shed microplastic fibers when washed. Opt for natural materials like cotton or wool to reduce fiber shedding.

  4. Wash Clothes Less Frequently:

    Every wash releases microplastic fibers. Wearing clothes more times between washes reduces fiber release and saves water.

  5. Use a Cold Water Cycle for Laundry:

    Hot water increases microplastic shedding in clothes. Washing with cold water helps reduce the amount of fibers released.

  6. Avoid Products Containing Microbeads:

    Certain cosmetics and cleaning products still contain harmful microbeads. Check labels and opt for microplastic-free products.

  7. Recycle Properly and Reduce Plastic Waste:

    Properly sorting and recycling plastics reduces the amount of plastic that can degrade into microplastics in landfills and oceans.

  8. Support Legislation Against Microplastics:

    Advocate for policies that limit plastic production and ban microplastics in products. Vote for leaders committed to environmental protections.

  9. Participate in Beach Cleanups:

    Help remove plastic debris from coastal areas. Every piece of plastic removed from the environment is one less that could break down into harmful microplastics.

  10. Educate Others About Microplastic Pollution:

    Spread awareness of the dangers of microplastics and encourage others to make more sustainable choices. Collective action has a greater impact.

Together, these actions will protect marine ecosystems and ensure a cleaner, healthier future for dolphins and all species—human and marine alike. Every step we take today brings us closer to a world where oceans are free from plastic pollution.

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