Maya Ellison
Sea turtles have survived mass extinctions and outlived the dinosaurs, but they are now under threat from plastic pollution. Plastic waste is having a devastating impact on sea turtles, killing over one million each year. This is because sea turtles often mistake plastic for food, and it can cause blockages in their digestive systems, leading to malnutrition and death. Plastic waste also accumulates in the ocean and can entangle sea turtles, damaging their health and making them vulnerable to boat strikes and predators. With over 100 million tons of plastic in the world's oceans, plastic pollution is a complex and urgent threat to sea turtles and the entire marine ecosystem.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Plastic debris ingestion | Sea turtles ingest plastic by mistaking it for their natural food, such as jellyfish, or by accidentally eating plastic that is present among their natural food. |
| Impact on digestive system | Plastic ingestion can cause physical damage to their intestines, lead to blockages, or trick the turtles into feeling full when they are not, leading to malnutrition and even death. |
| Entanglement | Sea turtles can become entangled in plastic waste, such as discarded fishing gear, while they are migrating, feeding, or nesting. |
| Impact on buoyancy | Sea turtles can develop buoyancy disorders, commonly referred to as "bubble butts," due to trapped gas inside their digestive system caused by the harmful decomposition of marine debris. |
| Impact on nesting | Adult sea turtles need to crawl through plastic debris to find a place to nest, and hatchlings can get caught in the debris while making their way to the ocean. |
| Impact on early development | Young sea turtles are at higher risk of ingesting or becoming entangled in plastic as they spend their early years floating with ocean currents, where plastic waste is also transported. |
| Sources of plastic pollution | Most trash reaches the seas via rivers, with 80% originating from landfills and other urban sources. 80% of plastic debris comes from land, picked up by wind or washed out to sea from beaches, streets, and highways. |
| Global efforts to reduce plastic pollution | Many solutions to ocean plastic pollution exist, and a growing movement of people, organizations, governments, and businesses are taking action to fight plastic pollution worldwide. Governments are introducing laws and legislation to ban or tax single-use plastic products, and individuals are reducing their consumption of single-use plastic goods. |
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What You'll Learn
Plastic ingestion
Sea turtles have been around for over 100 million years, but plastic is a new and devastating threat to their survival. All seven species of sea turtles are at risk of ingesting plastic, which can be deadly even in small amounts. The most common type of plastic debris ingested by sea turtles is plastic bags, which they mistake for jellyfish, algae, or other food sources. This mistake is due to the turtles' limited ability to distinguish between plastic and their natural prey, as well as the smell of marine plastics, which attracts turtles because of the organisms that latch onto the debris.
The ingestion of plastic bags can cause physical damage to the intestines, leading to blockages and malnutrition. It can also create a false sense of fullness, leading to starvation. Additionally, the harmful decomposition of plastic waste inside a turtle's body can cause buoyancy disorders, commonly known as "bubble butts." These turtles struggle to submerge, making them vulnerable to boat strikes, predation, and entanglement.
The impact of plastic ingestion is not limited to direct health consequences but also extends to the entire food chain. Turtles consume plastic by eating fish or other animals that have ingested microplastics. This transfer of microplastics through the food chain can ultimately affect humans as well.
The growing movement of people, organizations, governments, and businesses taking action against plastic pollution provides hope for the future of sea turtles. Individual actions, such as reducing single-use plastic consumption and properly disposing of waste, are crucial steps in tackling this global crisis.
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Entanglement in plastic
Plastic debris in the ocean is a major threat to marine turtles, who ingest plastic or become entangled in it. This plastic debris includes plastic bags, balloons, bottles, straws, packaging, and other materials, as well as displaced fishing gear.
Sea turtles can become entangled in plastic waste, such as discarded fishing gear, also known as "ghost nets" or "ghost gear," and other debris while migrating, feeding, or nesting. This entanglement can lead to injuries, hinder their ability to swim, surface for air, or feed, and, in severe cases, cause drowning and death. Young turtles and hatchlings are particularly vulnerable to entanglement. They can get caught in plastic debris while making their way to the ocean and are at higher risk of ingesting or becoming entangled in plastic as they spend their early years floating with ocean currents.
A worldwide survey found that 91% of entangled turtles were found dead, with serious wounds from entanglement leading to maiming, amputation, or choking. Some turtles that survived were forced to drag discarded rubbish or debris with them. The survey found turtles tangled in lost fishing nets, plastic twine, nylon fishing line, six-pack rings, plastic packaging straps, plastic balloon strings, kite string, discarded anchor lines, and seismic cables.
Scientists estimate that at least 1,000 sea turtles die each year due to entanglement in plastic, with one source stating that this amounts to an average of more than one turtle death every nine hours. However, this figure is likely an underestimate as not all dead turtles strand on beaches, especially young animals, and some decay at sea.
Efforts to address plastic pollution are underway globally, and many solutions already exist. Individuals can make a difference by reducing their use of single-use plastics, properly disposing of waste, and picking up any loose plastic waste they encounter.
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Plastic pollution in oceans
Sea turtles encounter plastic at various stages of their life cycle and in different habitats, both near the coast and in the open ocean. As hatchlings, they crawl through plastic debris on their way to the ocean and continue to face plastic pollution during their migration and nesting as adults. The ingestion of plastic or entanglement in plastic debris can be fatal for sea turtles, with an estimated one million sea turtles dying each year as a result.
Sea turtles mistake plastic for their natural food sources, such as jellyfish, algae, or other organisms that float with ocean currents. The downward-facing spines in their throats prevent regurgitation, so ingested plastic gets trapped in their stomachs, leading to blockages, malnutrition, and even death. Additionally, the decomposition of plastic waste in their digestive systems can cause buoyancy disorders, making it difficult for turtles to submerge and leaving them vulnerable to boat strikes and predation.
The impact of plastic pollution extends beyond sea turtles, with over 270 species of sea creatures dying from ingesting or becoming entangled in plastic debris annually. It is estimated that 4 to 12 million metric tons of plastic enter our oceans each year, with most of it coming from landfills and other urban sources. Plastic waste accumulates in gyres, forming massive "plastic islands," like the Great Pacific Garbage Patch in the North Pacific Gyre.
Addressing plastic pollution in oceans requires concerted global action and a shift in attitudes towards plastic consumption. Individuals can play a role by reducing their use of single-use plastic goods and properly disposing of waste. Governments and businesses also have a responsibility to implement laws, legislation, and incentives to reduce plastic pollution and promote sustainable practices.
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Impact on marine life
Plastic pollution in the ocean is a significant threat to marine life, and sea turtles are particularly vulnerable. Sea turtles encounter plastic at every stage of their life cycle, from crawling through plastic debris on their way to the ocean as hatchlings to ingesting plastic that resembles jellyfish, one of their favourite foods. The ingestion of plastic can lead to blockages in their digestive system, causing malnutrition and even death. Over 100 million marine animals, including thousands of sea turtles, die annually from ingesting or becoming entangled in marine debris.
Sea turtles are susceptible to the effects of consuming plastic due to their unique anatomy. They have downward-facing spines in their throats that prevent regurgitation, causing plastic to become trapped in their stomachs and interfering with their ability to properly swallow food. Additionally, the decomposition of plastic waste in their digestive system can lead to "bubble butt," a condition where gas becomes trapped, causing the turtles to float and making them vulnerable to predation or starvation.
Plastic pollution also affects sea turtles during their nesting and migration. Adult sea turtles must crawl through debris to find nesting sites, and hatchlings can become entangled in the plastic waste, struggling to reach the ocean. The impact of plastic pollution on sea turtle developmental habitats is not yet fully understood, but it is a growing area of research.
The sources of plastic pollution in the ocean are diverse. Most plastic waste reaches the sea via rivers, with 80% originating from landfills and other urban sources. Plastic debris includes bags, balloons, bottles, straws, packaging, and discarded fishing gear. The slow degradation of plastic means that it accumulates in the ocean, with an estimated 100 million tons already present. Efforts to reduce plastic consumption, improve waste management, and promote recycling are crucial to mitigating the impact of plastic pollution on marine life.
The impact of plastic pollution extends beyond sea turtles, endangering various marine species and birds. It also affects the entire food chain, including humans, as toxic chemicals leach into the water. The growing movement of individuals, organizations, governments, and businesses committed to fighting plastic pollution provides hope for the future. However, concerted global action is needed to address this urgent crisis and protect vulnerable marine life.
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Solutions to plastic pollution
Sea turtles have existed for over 100 million years, but plastic pollution poses a new and devastating threat to their survival. They encounter plastic debris at various stages of their life cycle and in different habitats, both near the coast and in the open ocean. Plastic pollution in the ocean is a massive problem, with an estimated 5 to 13 million metric tons of plastic waste entering the oceans annually. This plastic waste affects sea turtles in two main ways: ingestion and entanglement.
To address this issue, there are several solutions to reduce plastic pollution and protect sea turtles:
- Reduce Single-Use Plastic Consumption: One of the most effective ways to reduce plastic pollution is to cut down on single-use plastics such as straws, plastic bags, and disposable utensils. Opt for reusable alternatives whenever possible.
- Proper Waste Disposal: Ensure that waste is properly disposed of in appropriate bins. This includes recycling and separating different types of waste to reduce the amount of plastic that ends up in landfills and, eventually, the ocean.
- Pick Up Loose Plastic Waste: Make a habit of picking up any loose plastic waste you encounter. This can be done during beach cleanups or even while walking in your neighborhood. Every piece of plastic that is removed from the environment makes a difference for sea turtles and other marine life.
- Support Conservation Efforts: Get involved with organizations working to save sea turtles and reduce plastic pollution. Participate in volunteer programs, beach cleanups, and data collection efforts. These organizations work to protect nesting beaches, relocate turtle nests to safe incubators, and release hatchlings onto clean beaches.
- Education and Awareness: Spread awareness about the impact of plastic pollution on sea turtles and the environment. Educate others about the importance of recycling, reducing plastic use, and properly disposing of waste. This can be done through community outreach programs, school visits, and social media campaigns.
- Global Initiatives: Support global initiatives and agreements aimed at reducing marine plastic pollution. For example, the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) target a significant reduction in marine pollution by 2025, and 175 nations agreed to sign a legally binding plastics treaty by 2024. Advocate for policies that address plastic production, consumption, and waste management.
By implementing these solutions and working together, we can make a significant impact in reducing plastic pollution and protecting sea turtles and our oceans for future generations.
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Frequently asked questions
Sea turtles are affected by plastic at every stage of their lives. They crawl through plastic on their way to the ocean as hatchlings, swim through it while migrating, and crawl through it as adults. They also ingest plastic by mistaking it for their natural food, such as jellyfish, or by accidentally eating plastic that is present among their natural food. This ingestion causes physical damage to their intestines, leads to blockages, or tricks them into feeling full when they are not, resulting in sickness or death. Sea turtles can also become entangled in plastic waste, such as discarded fishing gear or other debris, while they are migrating, feeding, or nesting.
Plastic pollution in the oceans is a massive problem, with an estimated 4 to 13 million metric tons of plastic waste entering the oceans each year. This is equivalent to dumping a garbage truck full of plastic into the ocean every minute. Over 100 million marine animals, including sea turtles, die each year due to marine debris.
Addressing plastic pollution requires a combination of individual, governmental, and industrial efforts. Individuals can reduce their consumption of single-use plastic goods, switch to reusable and sustainable products, and properly dispose of their waste. Governments can introduce laws and legislation banning the production of single-use plastics or heavily taxing them, and provide incentives for businesses to adopt more sustainable packaging options. Industries can also play a role by reducing their plastic consumption and exploring alternative materials. Additionally, participating in beach clean-up events and raising awareness about the issue can help address plastic pollution and protect sea turtles.
