How much plastic can sea turtles ingest before it kills them?

According to the study, just 2 baseballs' worth of plastic is enough to kill a sea turtle.

What types of plastic are most dangerous for marine mammals?

The study found that roughly three-quarters of the plastic consumed by marine mammals came from fishing gear, like rope and nets.

How does plastic pollution affect endangered species?

The research showed that nearly half of the affected species, including seabirds, sea turtles, and marine mammals, are considered threatened, vulnerable, endangered, or critically endangered.

Home / Environment / Plastic Peril: Researchers Uncover Alarming Ingestion Limits for Ocean Wildlife

Plastic Peril: Researchers Uncover Alarming Ingestion Limits for Ocean Wildlife

18 Nov

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Summary

Lethal plastic doses for animals: 2 baseballs for turtles, 3 sugar cubes for puffins
Study analyzed 10,000+ autopsies of animals killed by plastic ingestion
Nearly half of affected species are threatened, vulnerable, or endangered

Plastic Peril: Researchers Uncover Alarming Ingestion Limits for Ocean Wildlife

On November 15th, 2025, a groundbreaking study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences shed light on the devastating impact of plastic pollution on marine wildlife. The research team, led by marine scientist Erin Murphy, analyzed data from over 10,000 autopsies of seabirds, sea turtles, and marine mammals killed by ingesting plastic.

The findings were startling: the researchers calculated that just 2 baseballs' worth of plastic is enough to kill a sea turtle, while a mere 3 sugar cubes' worth can be fatal for a puffin. The study also revealed that nearly half of the affected species are considered threatened, vulnerable, endangered, or critically endangered.