Explained
Explained: What are nurdles?
What are nurdles, and why are they causing a pollution problem?
What are nurdles and why are they a problem?
Every day, millions of plastic pellets – lentil-sized pieces of microplastic – are pouring into our ocean, spilling from ships transporting them around the world.
You may not realise it, but almost all of the plastic products we use – from water bottles to toothbrushes to fridges – are made from these melted-down pellets or ‘nurdles’.
And though they’re only tiny, they’re causing huge harm to marine wildlife and habitats – smothering seagrass meadows and filling the stomachs of seabirds and seals, fish and turtles, meaning many starve to death.
It’s a scandal that these pellets are being allowed to pollute our ocean, especially when it’s preventable.
Atlantic grey seals on a beach in Norfolk, UK, where pellets have been found in large numbers. © Ed Marshall
Atlantic grey seals on a beach in Norfolk, UK, where pellets have been found in large numbers.
Who has the power to reduce pellet pollution?
The International Maritime Organization (IMO) is the United Nations agency responsible for the safety and security of shipping and the prevention of pollution from ships. It has the power to classify plastic pellets as marine pollutants, which would make them subject to much stricter shipping regulations – immediately.
We know the IMO is aware of this issue and that its Marine Environmental Protection Committee (MEPC) is currently considering what action to take.
Fauna & Flora is working with partners to advocate for change.
This year, 13,311 people originating from over 80 countries, signed our petition. It called on members of the MEPC to take action to end plastic pellet pollution.
The MEPC met in July 2023. Ahead of that meeting, we wrote to 15 influential representatives of this committee and shared the petition with them.
Disappointingly, despite us showing them the huge public concern there is over this issue and the clear demand for them to take action on it now, plastic pellets were not discussed at their meeting.
Unfortunately, the bureaucratic structure of the International Maritime Organization has stifled speedy progress. Decision-taking responsibilities are being passed from committee to committee, delaying action despite the urgency of this situation and despite there being a solution at hand.
But we’re not giving up
It’s critical that decisive action is taken as quickly as possible to classify plastic pellets as a marine pollutant and bring in stricter shipping regulations.
Our experts continue to join relevant IMO meetings, shining a spotlight on this issue and working to show the Marine Environmental Protection Committee that they don’t have time to waste.
Thank you to everyone who signed our petition. By adding your voice, you have helped us to demonstrate how many people care about this issue, and want to see an end to plastic pellet pollution. We’ll continue to update you on this issue.
Watch: What are nurdles? The plastic pellets threatening marine life
Nurdles in numbers
11 trillion
The number of nurdles estimated to end up in the oceans every year.
1680 tonnes
The amount of nurdles spilled from the X-Press pearl shipwreck.
600
The number of nurdles needed to make up one small plastic bottle.
Dive deeper
Opinion
Noxious nurdles – The plastic pellets threatening marine wildlife
How marine wildlife is affected by plastic nurdle pollution.
Publication
Stemming the tide: putting an end to plastic pellet pollution
Our report highlights the actions that must be taken to end plastic pellet pollution.
Why Fauna & Flora?
Fauna & Flora has almost 120 years’ experience in conserving the world’s threatened species and ecosystems, which underpins the health of our planet and is critical for the life-support systems that humans and all other species rely on.
We protect over 50 million hectares of habitat worldwide, supporting local people in over 40 countries and saving countless species from the brink of extinction.
Explore our work