CA, US & World
How Much Plastic is Lethal? New Study Reveals Sharp Danger to California Marine Life
For the seabirds, sea turtles, and marine mammals along the California coast, a few pieces of plastic debris aren't just litter—they are a lethal "dose." According to a landmark study led by the Ocean Conservancy, the amount of plastic required to kill an animal is significantly lower than previously thought, often matching the volume of everyday household items.
Erin Murphy, manager of ocean plastics research for the Ocean Conservancy, led the study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. By analyzing data from more than 10,000 necropsies, the research calculated the volumes consistent with a 90% likelihood of death across various species. For a puffin, that lethal amount is roughly the size of three sugar cubes. For a sea turtle, it is the volume of two baseballs, and for a harbor porpoise, it is equivalent to a single soccer ball.
The study, which focused on "macroplastics" larger than five millimeters, found plastic in nearly half of all sea turtles and one-third of the seabirds examined. The physical impact of this ingestion is devastating. Hard plastic fragments can puncture or tear internal organs, while rubber items, such as balloons, pose a unique threat. Ingesting just three pieces of a balloon increases a seabird's chance of death by 50%. Even if the plastic doesn't cause immediate trauma, the gradual buildup can block the digestive tract, leading to a slow death by starvation.
The findings come as California enters a new phase of environmental protection. On January 1, 2026, Senate Bill 1053 officially went into effect, closing a decade-old loophole by banning all plastic carryout bags at grocery store checkouts, including the thicker "reusable" plastic bags. While systemic changes like SB 1053 are critical, Murphy emphasizes that individual action remains a vital part of the solution.
With Earth Day activities continuing through the weekend of April 25-26, residents are encouraged to participate in local cleanups. "Going out and just removing a few pieces of debris off your local beaches or out of your local parks can make a big difference," Murphy encouraged.
To help volunteers visualize their impact, the Ocean Conservancy has launched a new "Wildlife Impact Calculator." The online tool allows users to enter the number of specific items they collect—such as bottle caps, straws, or plastic bags—to determine exactly how many marine animals they have protected by removing those threats from the environment.
References:
CREDIT: Roz Brown of Public News Service
Explore: NBCPalmSprings.com, where we are connecting the Valley.
By: NBC Palm Springs
April 24, 2026
Latest Instagram Posts
As fall approaches, it’s time to start thinking about your annual flu shot. The CDC recommends flu vaccination every season for nearly everyone 6 months and older, and September or October is generally the ideal time for most people to get vaccinated. The 2026-27 flu vaccines have been updated to target the strains expected to circulate this season. There’s also a new option this year: Moderna’s mFLUSIVA, the first FDA-approved mRNA flu vaccine, for adults 50 and older. Talk with your health care provider about which flu vaccine is right for you and make a plan to get vaccinated this fall. Learn more about DAP Health at DAPHealth.org. #FluSeason #FluShot #FluVaccine #DAPHealth #CoachellaValley #PalmSprings #Health #Wellness #NBCPalmSprings
Murder Suspect Vicky Kim was set to appear in court at the Larson Justice Center today following her recent medical clearance to appear in court, but refused. However, she may be forced to appear should she refuse again. Stay tuned with NBC Palm Springs as we follow the latest developments of this case #VickyKim #arraignment #courtupdate #riversidecounty
🚨 20 ARRESTS. 6 GUNS SEIZED. Cathedral City Police report 20 arrests and six handgun seizures following two days of enforcement tied to a Mongols Motorcycle Club gathering. Police also issued 77 citations and impounded 14 vehicles. The operation involved multiple law enforcement agencies and was four weeks in the making. #CathedralCity #BreakingNews #Mongols #CoachellaValley #PublicSafety
Social Time with Thalia & Jerry: last day of summer!
Who makes the NBC Top 3, winner will be announced Sunday night on NBC Palm Springs, with the player who makes the number one spot winning a $250 prize from @hondaofthedesert! Comment below if it will be 1 Silias Bloodworth with the scoop and score, 2) Eusebio Gallo with the kickoff touchdown, 3) Keymorie Rogers with the throw on the run, 4) Damian Durinzi with the rushing TD, or 5) Mario Gallo with the dot towards the endzone #fypage #fridaynightlights #football #hondaofthedesert #highschoolfootball
Hundreds gathered outside the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C., for the “Hands Around the Kennedy Center” rally, protesting President Donald Trump’s handling of the performing arts center. The demonstration came after the Kennedy Center board voted to close the facility for repairs and amid an ongoing dispute over the center’s future. Actress and singer Lynda Carter was among those who addressed the crowd. apnews.com Watch the latest video on NBC Palm Springs.
Alice B. has announced it’s closing its doors. It’s cozy atmosphere and unique seasonal menu made it a must try and even landed it in the Michelin guide. @susanfeniger and @marysuemilliken left their mark on the desert over at Living Out and it will be missed. Here’s a clip from one of our last interviews with Susan.
Cathedral City City Council votes to rename “LGBT+ Days” to “Cathedral City Pride”. The council approved the change in a 5-0 vote during its latest meeting, updating the official name of the city’s annual celebration. Stay tuned with NBC Palm Springs to see what this means to the Coachella Valley Community #CathedralCity #pride #CityCouncil #CoachellaValley #LocalNews
Discover the Coachella Valley with the Everything Palm Springs app. From iconic attractions and hidden gems to local restaurants, shops, entertainment and even filming locations, the map-based app is designed to help both visitors and locals find more of what the desert has to offer. Creator Lindsay Kinkle is also expanding the app with video tours and narrated guides, giving users another way to explore Palm Springs and the surrounding communities. Local businesses like Buena Matcha are also getting a chance to connect with new customers through the platform. As Lindsay says, there’s so much to do and enjoy here — you just have to know where to look. #PalmSprings #CoachellaValley #EverythingPalmSprings #PalmSpringsApp #VisitPalmSprings DesertLife LocalBusiness CoachellaValleyBusiness NBCPalmSprings
Social Time with Thalia & Jerry