Investigation Underway as Millions of Plastic Pellets Wash Ashore in Spain from Ship Spill

The spill, which may have toxic implications, has also affected Portugal and France, sparking concerns for marine and human life.

Spanish state prosecutors are investigating the presence of numerous small plastic pellets along the northwest coastline, spilled from a transport ship.
The pellets, which may have toxic properties, have also been found on shores in Portugal and France.
The container ship Toconao, sailing under a Liberian flag, lost six shipping containers off the coast of Portugal, one of which contained 1,000 sacks of pellets.
Greenpeace and other environmental groups estimate the total amount of pellets lost to be in the millions, posing a danger for marine and human life as they can break down into even smaller microplastics that can be consumed by fish.
Volunteers and workers have organized to clean up the beaches and coasts of the area, which depends on a large fish and shellfish industry.