Entanglement and accidental ingestion of marine debris in the ocean has damaged and killed 700 species including endangered species, of which 92% are derived from marine plastic. For example, sea turtles mistakenly ingest plastic bags floating in the sea for jellyfish and die due to indigestion, or birds with plastic fragments in their stomachs may think they are full and starve to death. It is estimated that 52% of sea turtles and 90% of seabirds consume plastic.

Marine plastics affect not only marine life but also humans. Plastic has the property of adsorbing contaminants. When humans eat the plastic-containing marine life, the harmful chemicals accumulate in the body. The microplastics mentioned above are very fine and can be inadvertently captured by marine life. So far no direct damage to the human body has been confirmed, but the possibility of future harm cannot be ruled out.

In addition to living things, the deterioration of the landscape caused by garbage can reduce the number of tourists and affect the fishing industry by introducing garbage.