Plastic Pollution: Killing Turtles, Destroying Marine Life

Sea turtles have existed for over 150 million years, but their time is rapidly ending due to plastic pollution in the ocean. The ocean is quickly becoming a plastic soup, with an estimated 8 million tons of plastic ending up in the ocean annually. This plastic pollution affects sea turtles throughout their life cycle, from nesting to ingestion or entanglement, causing their populations to decrease. While the exact number of turtles that die from plastic every year is unknown, researchers estimate that more than 1000 turtles die every year from plastic entanglement, and many more die from ingesting plastic.

Ingesting plastic bags, mistaking them for jellyfish

Sea turtles are among the many marine species affected by plastic pollution in the ocean. They often mistake plastic bags for jellyfish, one of their staple foods. This is because plastic bags floating in the water can look deceptively similar to jellyfish and can even smell like food to turtles. As a result, turtles ingest the plastic, which can cause intestinal blockages and lead to starvation and death.

Research suggests that 52% of the world's turtles have eaten plastic waste, mistaking it for jellyfish or algae. This is a serious issue, as ingesting just one plastic item can be fatal for turtles. Sharp plastics can rupture internal organs, and bags can cause intestinal blockages, leading to starvation. In addition, consuming plastic can make turtles unnaturally buoyant, which can stunt their growth and lead to slow reproduction rates.

The accumulation of plastics at key nesting beaches means that baby turtles are among the most at risk from plastic entanglement, preventing them from reaching the sea. Turtles can get caught in discarded fishing gear, six-pack rings, and other plastic waste, which can choke, injure, or drown them.

To address this issue, governments must take accountability and end the plastic pollution epidemic. This includes introducing laws and legislation banning the production of single-use plastic products or heavily taxing them. Individuals can also play a role by reducing their consumption of single-use plastic goods and switching to more sustainable products.

Entanglement in plastic waste, fishing gear, and nets

Marine turtles are dying after becoming entangled in plastic waste, fishing gear, and nets. Research by the University of Exeter found that 91% of entangled turtles were found dead, with the rest suffering serious wounds, such as maiming, amputation, or choking. The same research also found that out of the 106 marine experts they surveyed, 84% claimed they had directly witnessed the death of turtles due to plastics.

All seven species of sea turtles have been found entangled in marine debris, with Olive Ridley turtles being the most likely species to get tangled up. This is because they nest and forage in areas where marine debris aggregates and may be attracted to feeding on marine rubbish, including discarded fishing tackle. Most entanglements recorded were in lost or discarded fishing gear known as "ghost fishing" rope, nets, and lines. Since the 1950s, the fishing industry has replaced natural fibres with synthetic plastic materials such as nylon, polyethylene, and polypropylene, which do not biodegrade in water.

Smaller animals, such as turtles, can be captured in the water or on the beach, and then have their entanglement removed. To do this safely, responders are trained in the proper techniques for capture, restraint, and removal of gear from various marine species. Depending on the type of animal, severity of injury, and circumstances, the animal may need to be evaluated and treated at a rehabilitation facility.

Ghost fishing, or the trapping of wildlife by lost fishing gear, can also impact the economy. Lost lines, nets, and traps not only cost fishers money to replace, but they can also compete with active fishing gear. A study found that by removing derelict crab pots from popular fishing areas in the Chesapeake Bay, the harvest of blue crabs could be increased by 38 million pounds.

To prevent further harm to turtles, it is important to cut down on plastic waste and pursue biodegradable alternatives. On a personal level, people can reduce their consumption of single-use plastic goods and switch to more sustainable products, like bamboo straws and reusable containers. Governments can also take action by introducing laws and legislation banning the production of or heavily taxing single-use products, as well as providing incentives for businesses to switch to more sustainable packaging options.

Plastic pollution in nesting grounds

Plastic pollution is a pressing issue threatening the survival of sea turtles. Sea turtles are dying due to the ingestion of or entanglement in plastic debris. This plastic debris includes discarded plastic in the sea, plastic packaging, and derelict fishing gear. The threat begins even before they enter the water, as newly hatched sea turtles must navigate through plastic items and microplastics to get from their nests to the sea. Mother turtles are forced to dig their nests and lay their eggs on beaches polluted with plastic.

All seven species of sea turtles ingest plastic, and younger turtles tend to ingest greater amounts. Research has shown that the ingestion of a single piece of plastic gives a sea turtle a one in five chance of premature death. If a sea turtle ingests 14 pieces of plastic, there is a 50% chance it will die. In some populations, more than 90% of individual turtles have ingested microplastics. It is estimated that approximately 52% of all sea turtles have eaten plastic.

The plastic waste in nesting grounds can also contaminate the sand with chemicals. A field experiment in a turtle hatchery in Cabo Verde found that plastic fragments placed on the surface of nests leaked contaminants into the surrounding sand up to a depth of 20 cm. The full effects of contaminants on nesting grounds are still unknown, but the same experiment found a higher number of leucistic embryos in nests contaminated with plastics.

The overconsumption of single-use plastics is the root cause of the issue. On average, Australians use 130 kg of plastic each year, but only 12% of that is recycled. It is estimated that up to 12.7 million tonnes of plastic enter the oceans each year, with one garbage truck's worth of plastic dumped into the ocean every minute. If plastic production continues at the current rate, the amount of plastic in the world's oceans could outweigh the amount of fish by 2050.

To address this issue, governments should introduce laws banning the production of or heavily taxing single-use products and incentivizing businesses to switch to more sustainable packaging. Individuals can also take action by reducing their consumption of single-use plastic goods and participating in beach clean-up events.

Microplastics entering oceans from cosmetics and clothing

Sea turtle populations are decreasing, and plastic pollution is a significant contributor to this decline. Research has revealed that over 270 species of sea creatures, including turtles, die from ingesting or becoming entangled in plastic debris annually. It is estimated that more than one million sea turtles, approximately 10% of the total population, are killed each year by ingesting plastic and other debris.

Microplastics, a significant form of plastic pollution, enter the oceans through various pathways, including cosmetics and clothing. The cosmetics industry, with its rapid growth and high consumer demand, contributes to the proliferation of microplastics. The excessive use of petroleum derivatives, plastics, parabens, and other polymers in cosmetic compositions and packaging has detrimental effects on the environment. The generation of residues and waste during production processes is a pressing concern, as these microplastics can adsorb persistent organic pollutants (POPs) and disrupt the marine system when ingested by plankton, the primary consumers in the marine food chain.

Clothing and textiles are another significant source of microplastics entering the oceans. Synthetic fibres used in clothing shed microfibres during wear and washing, which ultimately find their way into the ocean. Textiles made from natural fibres can also release microplastics, albeit to a lesser extent. The wearing, drying, and washing of clothes contribute to the release of microfibres, which are then deposited on surfaces and washed down drains, eventually making their way into the ocean.

The accumulation of microplastics in the ocean has severe consequences. It is estimated that over 14 million tonnes of microplastics have built up on the ocean floor globally, and this figure is increasing annually. The ingestion of microplastics by marine life, including turtles, leads to fatal blockages in their digestive systems, malnutrition, and death.

To address this issue, individuals can reduce their consumption of single-use plastics, switch to reusable containers and sustainable products, and support legislation banning or taxing single-use products. By taking action and making more sustainable choices, we can help protect sea turtles and other vulnerable species from the devastating impacts of plastic pollution.

Lack of recycling and uncontrolled consumption of single-use plastics

Sea turtle populations are decreasing, and plastic pollution is a major contributing factor. Research has revealed that turtles are among the over 270 species of sea creatures that die from ingesting or becoming entangled in plastic debris each year. It is estimated that more than one million sea turtles, accounting for about 10% of the entire sea turtle population, are killed annually by ingesting plastic and other debris.

The primary cause of this issue is the overconsumption of single-use plastics. According to the United Nations Environment Programme, approximately 12.7 million tonnes of plastic enter our oceans annually, which is equivalent to dumping a truckload of plastic into the ocean every minute. This uncontrolled consumption has led to our oceans becoming increasingly clogged with plastic waste, endangering marine life and birds, leaching toxic chemicals into the water, and even contaminating our food chain.

The problem is exacerbated by the fact that plastic consumption has quadrupled in the last 30 years, with global plastic production doubling from 2000 to 2019 to reach 460 million tonnes. In contrast, the amount of plastic waste being recycled has not kept pace. The OECD reports that only 9% of plastic waste is recycled, with 19% being incinerated and a staggering 50% ending up in landfills or uncontrolled dumpsites, especially in poorer countries. This means that a significant amount of plastic waste is not being properly managed and is instead ending up in the environment.

The impact of this plastic pollution on sea turtles is devastating. Turtles are particularly susceptible to the effects of consuming marine debris due to the structure of their throats, which have downward-facing spines that prevent regurgitation. When plastic gets trapped in their stomachs, it prevents them from properly swallowing food, leading to malnutrition and even death. Plastic bags, which can be mistaken for jellyfish, are the most commonly ingested type of plastic debris by sea turtles. Additionally, discarded fishing gear or plastic packaging can entangle turtles, leading to a high likelihood of death.

To address this critical issue, a two-pronged approach is necessary. Firstly, individuals can play a crucial role by reducing their consumption of single-use plastic goods and switching to more sustainable alternatives, such as reusable containers, bottles, bags, and cutlery. Refusing single-use plastics and supporting businesses that use sustainable packaging options can create a market incentive for corporations to reduce their plastic production and offer more environmentally friendly choices. Secondly, governments must take decisive action through legislation and policies to ban or heavily tax single-use plastic products, provide incentives for businesses to adopt sustainable practices, and improve waste management and recycling infrastructure.

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