Toxic substances can have detrimental effects on marine organisms, including physiological and behavioral changes, reduced reproductive success, and mortality. For example, exposure to heavy metals can disrupt enzyme function and impair neurological development in fish. Persistent organic pollutants (POPs) can accumulate in the tissues of marine animals, leading to bioaccumulation and biomagnification up the food chain, affecting predators such as marine mammals and seabirds. These changes can lead to population declines and disrupt entire ecosystems.
