New research finds plastic smells a bit fishy

A new study shows fish might be eating plastic waste in the water because they mistake it for food. This in itself doesn't sound like a revelation - we've known for ages that sea animals eat plastic debris, which then has massive implications for marine ecosystems. But this new research suggests it's, in fact, the smell of the debris that confuses the fish - the scientists found fish respond to the smell of the plastic waste in the same way they respond to the smell of their food. News Director Ximena spoke to lead author of the study from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Matthew Savoca, to learn more.