Plastic pollution is a major threat to coral reefs around the world. When plastic enters the ocean, it can break down into smaller and smaller pieces over time, eventually becoming microplastics. These microplastics can be ingested by coral and other marine life, causing physical injury and potentially leading to death.
Plastic pollution can also have indirect effects on coral reefs. For example, plastic debris can entangle and kill marine life, including fish and invertebrates that are important to the coral reef ecosystem. In addition, plastic pollution can provide a substrate for invasive species, such as algae, to grow on, which can outcompete and kill coral.
Plastic pollution can also have physical impacts on coral reefs. Large plastic debris, such as abandoned fishing nets, can damage and kill coral by smothering or crushing it. In addition, plastic pollution can block sunlight and reduce the amount of light available to coral, which is necessary for coral to grow and survive.
Overall, plastic pollution is a significant threat to coral reefs and other marine ecosystems, and it is important to take steps to reduce plastic pollution in order to protect these important habitats.