Balloons and plastic bags can entangle marine animals, causing them to choke. This is especially common in sea turtles, which can mistake balloons for food and swallow them. When a balloon is swallowed, it can block the turtle's digestive tract, causing it to starve to death.

Strangled

Balloons and plastic bags can also strangle marine animals. This can happen when an animal gets caught in a balloon or plastic bag that is caught on something else, such as a fishing net or a piece of debris. When an animal is strangled, it cannot breathe and will eventually die.

Drowned

Balloons and plastic bags can also cause marine animals to drown. This can happen when an animal is trapped in a balloon or plastic bag that is filled with water. When an animal is trapped in water, it cannot breathe and will eventually drown.

Other problems

In addition to choking, strangling, and drowning, balloons and plastic bags can also cause other problems for marine animals. For example, balloons and plastic bags can block the sunlight from reaching seagrass beds, which can damage the seagrass and harm the animals that live in it. Balloons and plastic bags can also pollute the water, which can harm marine animals and make them more susceptible to disease.

How to help

There are a few things you can do to help prevent balloons and plastic bags from harming marine animals:

* Dispose of balloons and plastic bags properly. Always put balloons and plastic bags in a trash can, and never release balloons into the air.

* Recycle balloons and plastic bags whenever possible. Many communities have recycling programs for balloons and plastic bags.

* Educate others about the dangers of balloons and plastic bags to marine animals. Talk to your friends, family, and neighbors about the problem, and share information about it on social media.

By taking these simple steps, you can help protect marine animals from the dangers of balloons and plastic bags.