It is a well-known fact that plastics have a direct impact on seabirds’ health (strangulation, suffocation, invasive species transportation…) but we are not always aware of other major consequences such as chemical pollution, and impact on reproduction rates, endocrine disruptors…
However, it is important to note that this pollution also indirectly affects birds and biodiversity. A good example is waste collection actions and mechanized beach cleanups: indeed, they are supposed to combat the spread of litter but indirectly impact shorebirds through nest trampling and disturbance. These initiatives are essential for the environment, especially thanks to data collections which are useful for plastics pollution monitoring. Paradoxically, when not strictly coordinated, they might result harmful to the environment they intend to protect.
