A new study has shed light on the devastating impact of discarded plastic bags on marine life. The research, conducted by scientists at the University of Plymouth, UK, found that plastic bags are smothering and entangling a wide range of marine species, from tiny plankton to large whales.

The study, published in the journal "Marine Pollution Bulletin", analyzed data collected from over 100 beaches around the world. The researchers found that plastic bags were the most common type of plastic pollution found on beaches, accounting for over 50% of all plastic waste.

Even more concerning, the researchers found that plastic bags were directly responsible for the death of a wide range of marine species. In one instance, a single plastic bag was found to have killed over 100 sea turtles.

The study also found that plastic bags are being ingested by marine life, with potentially harmful effects. When ingested, plastic bags can block the digestive tracts of animals, leading to malnutrition and starvation.

The researchers are calling for urgent action to address the problem of plastic pollution in the ocean. They recommend a number of measures, including reducing the production of plastic bags, increasing recycling rates, and educating the public about the dangers of plastic pollution.