A second dolphin has died in Florida within the space of a month, after ingesting plastic waste. The seven-year-old male dolphin was found dead on Fort Meyers Beach in Big Carlos Pass, according to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC).
A necropsy discovered a two-foot (24-inch) plastic hose in the dolphin’s intestines, complete with a nozzle and metal clamp — similar to those used in portable shower kits commonly used by campers.

Image Credit: Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission
Less than a month earlier, on April 23, a baby rough-toothed dolphin was euthanized by biologists after she was found stranded on a beach in the same area, emaciated and suffering. In that instance, the necropsy revealed a piece of balloon and two plastic bags in her stomach.
These needless and heartbreaking deaths are only the tip of the iceberg when it comes to the world’s overwhelming marine plastic problem.
More than 100,000 marine mammals — from whales and dolphins to seals and turtles — perish annually due to plastic in our oceans.
Research suggests that around 56 percent of the earth’s whale, dolphin and porpoise species have ingested plastic of some kind, and thousands more have died from becoming entangled in ocean waste.
Human’s plastic production and use have spiralled out of control; we created more plastic in the first decade of this century than has ever been produced in history.
All marine life is at significant risk because of the global addiction to plastic; the data is astounding, with astronomical numbers of fish and seabirds estimated to have consumed plastic in their lifetimes.
While the international community is slow to take action, there have been some steps forward. Hawaii and California have banned plastic bags, and a ban in New York will take effect in March 2020. Many countries and regions have banned — or are in the process of prohibiting — plastic straws, bags and other single-use items.
However, we can’t sit back and wait for our leaders to make a change; the responsibility for preventing more suffering and deaths of innocent animals starts with each one of us. There are numerous ways to avoid using plastic, such as using environmentally-friendly alternatives like paper straws, and always taking your own reusable bags out with you when shopping.
“This is the second stranded dolphin in one month’s time from this region that had ingested plastic – reminding us again to look closely at our habits,” said FWC in a Facebook post. “Your actions can make a difference — secure and properly dispose of trash, take part in coastal clean-ups and share information on how to reduce marine debris with others.”
Mankind- weak up! Our wonderful animals, our earth are dying….!
STOP! — STOP! — STOP! — STOP! — STOP! — STOP! — STOP FILTHYING UP our WATERS — our waters are HOME to many — CLEAN UP our MESSES PROPERLY — it’s a matter of LIFE and DEATH.
People must be more conscientious. People must stop throwing trash anywhere but in proper receptacles.
how sad. When will we demand better of our collective selves & NOT throw trash anywhere. This world must stop the heavy use of plastic .. we MUST GO BACK TO REUSING WHAT WE HAVE!
Yes, the oceans and seas are polluted with a lot of debris and products of our activity. Governments must unite in an effort to stop it!
If people would stop throwing all that plastic shit in the ocean, this kind of thing wouldn’t happen.
This is so sad but why do we need plastics. The answer is we don’t. Stop supplying plastic packaging to customers right now……there is so much we can do to reduce plastic in our oceans.
Store and recycle plastic waste property so that animals can not be harmed by it. Protect animals from plastic.
Ban plastic? Are our efforts to clean the oceans good enough??
I am crying. Everyone must do their part. Eventually the problem will be resolved.
Stop using animals to do testing on them and putting those animals through such horrible torture and pain. No animal deserves to be treated like that. There are other ways to do testing then on animals.
Our actions do make a huge difference, please remember that.
We all need to stop using plastic ! We need to store plastic in huge bins to recycle so it will be out of the animals way.
This is a warning to Humanity, at the rate of polution form Plastic, all fish will have plastic polution in them which inevitably will end up in everyone who eats them.
Unbelievable! Stop making plastic!!!!! RIP poor dolphins.
EACH PERSON SHOULD ASSUME RESPONSIBILITY THAT THEY REFUSE TO USE PLASTIC & REFUSE TO BUY PLASTIC !
If only people would think how much harm they are doing to these beautiful creatures!!!Is it so difficult to put your garbage in the bin!!
Victorinox kіtϲhen aⅽcording to Knifecenter.
Animals deserve love kindness care and they are our companions not our entertainment or our slave, maid
People.neef.to.stop.koll.thry.anomal.s.people.ille.that
Neef.to.go.to.kaol.for.lifet
I’ve given up straws, and use reusable bags when shopping. I’ve tried alternatives to plastic sandwich/storage/snack bags, but the foods dry out quickly. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.
Mankind somehow someway correct all the damage they have done to the habitat of ALL creatures. So get on it people!!
Another tragedy caused by irresponsible, heartless people.
I am ashamed of the human race.
TIME FOR WORLDWIDE CHANGES
The Galarneau Family