It can be fatal. Fish, water birds and other marine life can be killed by mistakenly eating plastic materials floating in the water. Marine animals such as turtles and whales can die because they mistake a discarded plastic bag for a jelly fish - something they like to eat. Seabirds, seals, turtles and fish can become entangled in plastic lines which trap and slowly strangle them. Garbage directly from ships, yachts, trawlers and other marine craft contribute to the pollution problem.
Garbage can also create a problem for recreational boaters and the fishing industry.
Rope and plastic material may get caught in propeller shafts or block water intakes causing major damage. As a result, boats may need expensive repairs and people making a living from boating are without an income while vessels are repaired. Australian law imposes strict controls and heavy fines on polluters to prevent pollution of our seas and waterways by garbage. The best way to avoid a fine it is to make sure that you bring your garbage back to shore. The disposal of plastics into the sea is totally prohibited in any location.