These graphic images of sea lions shackled in human debris is a shocking reminder of the importance of respecting marine life and disposing of rubbish properly.
Taken from a video from marine authorities in Alaska, the pictures show animals struggling to survive after becoming trapped in plastic hoops and swallowing fishing tackle.
Sea lions chase fish that have previously swallowed hooks, which embed themselves in the marine animals, causing injury or death, explains the video by The Alaska Department of Fish and Game.
Although this video was released to highlight the problems in Alaska, sea lions also live off Britain's coastline. The video aims to highlight the issue of marine debris, and offer solutions to the problem of pollution in the seas.
The problems that plastic products can cause to fish are well documented, but the threat of not disposing waste responsibly also affects bigger animals that live in our oceans.
Marine debris can enter the oceans when swept out to sea from rivers and streams. Tyres and windsocks were also found around sea lions. Although animal rescue workers were able to save the sea lion which had swum into a tyre, it was too late for one animal, after the windsock pinned her flippers to her body.
Sea birds can also be affected by these man-made objects, which pollute their natural environment.
Even if the animals swim into plastic hoops when they are young, as they grow, the animals can die from complications, the hoops restricted their breathing as they grow.