Fragile Oceans and Plastic Chains: A Green Victimology Perspective on the Silent Struggle of Marine Lives

Despite elevating ecological awareness to sculpt wildlife preservation frameworks, laws protecting wildlife continue to be overlooked by the criminal justice system. Wildlife is pivotal in maintaining ecological equilibrium, yet discussions around wildlife crime often neglect the mounting crisis of plastic pollution. Marine environments are particularly vulnerable, as a significant proportion of marine lives including fishes, turtles, cetaceans, and corals face the threat of extinction due to the pervasive issue of plastic pollution. The grim endangerment and victimization of marine species by plastic pollution includes both the entanglement of marine animals in discarded plastic gears and the ingestion of microplastics, which severely impact their health and survival. Within the scope of green victimology, a field that assesses environmental harms as criminal acts against nature and non-human entities, plastic pollution is a pressing concern. This paper will analyse the multifaceted nature of marine life victimization due to plastic pollution, which has a cascading effect on global biodiversity and human livelihoods. This paper will critically examine case studies and regulatory frameworks across diverse jurisdictions through the lens of green victimology, assessing the shortcomings and achievements in mitigating marine life exploitation. It will argue for a paradigm shift in policy-making that emphasizes ecological justice and sustainability to combat this escalating threat. The paper, capping it all off will advocate for an evolved approach that foregrounds the interconnectedness of ecosystems and prioritizes long-term environmental resilience.