Though plastic was only popularized in the last hundred years, we are already seeing the dramatic impact it has on our critical ecosystems and countless species.
In fact, it is estimated that 8 million metric tons of plastic enter our oceans each year… But what happens to these items over time? BTT selected a few items commonly used on fishing trips and beach excursions and collected their breakdown times as shown below.
It’s important to remember that while these long lengths of time are difficult to conceptualize, they only outline the time it takes for plastic to transition into harmful microplastics. Because plastic is not biodegradable, it will never fully break down, meaning that the plastic bottle you saw floating in the water will stay there forever unless properly removed and disposed of! Try to stick to reusable materials, like those listed on our blog “5 Ways to Reduce Your Plastic Use,” and pick up litter when you see it to help keep our oceans clean and our fish healthy!
Source: Bonefish & Tarpon Trust