Microplastics, which come from places like packaging and cosmetics, have been found in all five of the ocean’s subtropical gyres, Plymouth University reports.

Some of these may be ingested by sea creatures , large and small. We don’t yet know for sure how these affect animals, but some researchers worry they may cause harm.

Then, there are the tonnes of other plastic waste found in our seas; larger pollutants like bags and empty water bottles.

But recently, scientists have noticed a surprising response from the ocean in the form of “Neptune balls.”

What are “Neptune balls”?

These are balls made from seagrass (Posidonia oceanica), often found around the Mediterranean.

When the older parts of the plants break off, usually in autumn , the exposed roots are compressed into a

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