The glut of plastic in the oceans is a global problem. About 9 million tons of plastic enter the oceans each year. Much of it is discarded fishing gear, plastic bags, and other macroscopic objects. But a great deal of it is in the form of microplastics or small particles. Some microplastics come from cosmetics and other products containing them but a lot of them are the result of larger plastic objects breaking down into small particles.
There is no shortage of dangers to honey bees, but a parasitic mite known as Verroa destructor is considered to be the greatest threat because it transmits virus diseases which lead to colony death.
