To explore and work with further, the albatross that consume plastic on Midway Island.
Pollution
Midway Atoll or Midway Island receives huge amounts of marine debris from the Great Pacific Garbage Patch, 90% of this being plastic. 20 tons of plastic debris wash up on Midway every year, with 5 tons of this being fed and consumed by Layson Albatross chicks. 1.5 million of these Albatrosses inhabit the island and nearly all are found to have plastic in their digestive system. Approx 1-3rd of the chicks die, due to confusing plastic as food because elf its bright colours. Because albatross chicks do not develop the reflexes to regurgitate until they are four months old, they cannot expel the plastic pieces they consume. Other creatures such as se turtles and seal are also effected by the plastic which can range from lighters to tooth brushes and toys. An albatross on Miday can have up to 50% of its intestine tract filled with plastic.
