Fulmars and Plastic
Almost all populations of Northern Fulmars studied in Svalbard have been found to ingest microplastics. It is thought that they mistake small plastic fragments for prey, with tragic consequences - these fragments can be highly toxic to the birds, and can also block their digestive tract and lead to starvation. These majestic seabirds frequently soared past our ship as we sailed the coastline, and it was heartbreaking to think of the impacts plastics are having on these immense ocean wanderers.