The Impact of Plastic Pollution on Marine Life

Ahoy, my whale-loving friends! 🐋

Developing the story of Maxine for Whalesong has been such a joy, but as Noelle and I researched our hero's journey to San Francisco, we had to face a tough reality: the ocean needs our help more than ever.

When we talk about marine pollution, we often think of big things like old tires or the "ghost gear” like I mentioned in my previous post. But some of the biggest threats are actually the smallest. Have you heard of microplastics in the ocean? These are tiny plastic bits—often smaller than a ladybug—that break off from larger items like water bottles or synthetic clothes. Because they are so small, tiny sea creatures at the bottom of the food chain eat them, and that eventually affects everyone up to even the biggest whales!

The impact of plastic pollution on marine life is often a result of a confusing trick; a floating plastic bag can look exactly like a tasty jellyfish to a sea turtle. Remember in Whalesong when Maxine has to save the whales from eating bottles and other trash? Sadly, this scene came from real life examples, where the pollution of plastic can even confuse a whale’s sonar, making trash "sound" like a snack.

Part of our mission with writing and painting about ocean conservation is showing that small changes can make big waves. Parents, a great way to start is to challenge your kids to a "two-minute beach cleanup" or swap to reusable snack bags. If Maxine can swim across an ocean, we can certainly help keep it clean for her and her giant grey friends!

Catch you on the next tide 🌊,

-j.s.