The Gaia Reports By Theodora Filis - Environmental Journalist

By Theodora Filis When we damage our water systems, we're not only putting marine life at risk, but we're also putting human life and resources in peril. Our planet currently has six plastic islands made of trapped garbage. The damage to sea life by these plastic death traps can only be imagined, but scientists are now investigating the long-term impacts of toxic pollutants absorbed, transported, and consumed by fish and other marine life, including the potential effects on human health.  Scientists previously thought that only actual plastic floating in the ocean could harm marine animals. But, new research proves there are additional unseen dangers being created by the plastic we discard daily. Initially, it was thought that large plastic rubbish heaps were caused by shipping fleets that crisscross our oceans every day. Although an estimated 639,000 plastic containers thrown overboard every day do contribute to ocean death traps, this only represents 20% of the overa

By Theodora Filis The plan to release treated wastewater has been in the works for years, with the environment minister declaring in 2019 there were “no other options” as space runs out to contain the contaminated material. Bluefin tuna only spawn in the western Pacific, and often head east towards California following food sources. These days, they bring with them “low levels” of radiation. Along the California coast concerns that this is the result of the tsunami-damaged Fukushima nuclear power plant have many people worried. Scientists believe these were young tuna that left Japanese waters approximately a month after the power plant disaster, last year. The real issue is a hydrogen isotope called radioactive tritium, which cannot be taken away. There is currently no technology available to do so. Diluting the wastewater might not be enough to reduce its impact on marine life. Pollutants like tritium can pass through various levels of the food chain – including plants, anim