Plastic Pollution: A Deadly Threat To Sea Turtles

Plastic pollution is having a devastating impact on sea turtles, threatening their survival at every stage of their lives. From hatchlings crawling through plastic on nesting beaches to adult turtles ingesting plastic or becoming entangled in marine debris, the presence of plastic in our oceans is taking a heavy toll on these ancient mariners. With plastic debris accumulating in the oceans at an alarming rate, it is estimated that hundreds of thousands of sea turtles die each year as a direct result of plastic pollution.

Plastic bags are mistaken for jellyfish

Sea turtles are affected by plastic at every stage of their lives. One of the most significant ways in which plastic pollution harms sea turtles is by being mistaken for food, particularly jellyfish.

Sea turtles are unable to distinguish between plastic bags and their favourite food, jellyfish. As a result, they often consume plastic bags, which can get stuck in their stomachs, causing blockages in their digestive systems and, eventually, death. This mistake is not harmless, as the consumption of plastic can also pierce the intestinal wall, leading to internal bleeding. In addition, the presence of plastic in their stomachs can mimic the sensation of being full, causing turtles to neglect seeking out other food sources and ultimately starving to death.

Research from the University of Tokyo found that the carnivorous loggerhead and the mainly plant-eating green turtle consumed plastic at alarming rates. Loggerheads, which feed on jellyfish, ate plastic 17% of the time they encountered it. This figure rose to 62% for green turtles, which are often hunting for algae.

The problem of plastic ingestion is not limited to plastic bags. Mylar balloons, which are made from plastic and do not biodegrade, can also resemble jellyfish. These balloons can travel long distances and end up in rivers or the ocean, where sea turtles may mistake them for food.

The impact of plastic pollution on sea turtles is devastating, with an estimated hundreds of thousands of sea turtles dying each year from ingestion or entanglement in marine debris.

Fishing nets resemble seaweed

Sea turtles are affected by plastic at every stage of their lives. One of the main ways in which plastic pollution is affecting sea turtles is by being mistaken for food.

Sea turtles are also attracted to the smell of food on discarded fishing nets and other plastic debris. When they try to eat the seaweed off the nets, they get entangled in them. This entanglement can lead to drowning, as the turtles are unable to surface for air. It can also make them vulnerable to predators or hinder their ability to hunt.

The accumulation of plastic at nesting beaches is particularly dangerous for baby turtles, which are at high risk of entanglement as they try to reach the sea.

Fishing nets and other plastic debris in the ocean can also be mistaken for tasty treats by sea turtles, who often eat them along with their regular meals. This can lead to the ingestion of harmful microplastics, which can cause blockages in their digestive systems and, eventually, death.

The problem of plastic pollution in the oceans is a pressing environmental crisis. An estimated 8 million metric tons of plastic enter the ocean each year, adding to the already staggering amount of plastic pollution. This plastic pollution is having devastating effects on marine life, particularly sea turtles, who ingest or become entangled in plastic debris.

Plastic causes intestinal blockages

Plastic pollution is having a devastating impact on sea turtles, and one of the most significant ways is by causing intestinal blockages. Sea turtles are highly susceptible to ingesting plastic due to their inability to distinguish between plastic and their natural food sources, such as jellyfish. This critical issue is leading to severe health complications and even death among these ancient mariners.

Sea turtles face intestinal blockages primarily due to their consumption of plastic debris in the ocean. Plastic bags, fishing nets, and other plastic items can easily be mistaken for jellyfish or seaweed, which are staple foods for sea turtles. As a result, turtles unknowingly ingest these harmful substances, leading to blockages in their digestive tracts. The ingested plastic can become trapped in their stomachs, preventing them from properly swallowing and digesting their actual food.

The downward-facing spines in sea turtles' throats further exacerbate the problem. These spines make it impossible for turtles to regurgitate, meaning that once plastic is swallowed, it remains in their system. This inability to expel foreign objects contributes to the intestinal blockages and poses a significant health risk.

In some cases, the plastic in a turtle's stomach can create the sensation of fullness, leading to a tragic outcome. Turtles may neglect to seek out additional food sources, ultimately starving to death despite having a full stomach. This deceptive feeling of satiety is yet another way plastic causes indirect intestinal blockages and negatively impacts the health and survival of sea turtles.

The impact of plastic pollution on sea turtles is not limited to ingestion. Microplastics, tiny fragments of broken-down plastic, are also consumed by fish and other animals that sea turtles prey upon. These microplastics then enter the turtles' systems, contributing to the accumulation of plastic in their intestines. As a result, even if a turtle does not directly ingest plastic debris, the presence of microplastics in their food sources can still lead to intestinal blockages and other health issues.

The intestinal blockages caused by plastic can have severe consequences for sea turtles. In some cases, the plastic may pierce the intestinal wall, leading to internal bleeding and even death. Additionally, the blockage can affect the turtle's ability to absorb nutrients from its food, causing gradual weakening and eventual death. The presence of plastic in their digestive systems can also lead to "bubble butts," where trapped gas from the decomposition of plastic causes the turtles to float, making them vulnerable to starvation or predation.

Microplastics enter the food chain

The plastic problem starts at the lower levels of the food chain, with tiny fragments of plastic, known as microplastics, being consumed by marine animals. These microplastics are formed when larger pieces of plastic break down into smaller, more toxic pieces. They are easily ingested by marine life and can act as vectors for invasive species, further exacerbating the damage caused by plastic pollution.

Sea turtles, as they are higher up in the food chain, are particularly vulnerable to the effects of consuming microplastics. The ingested plastic can get trapped in their stomachs, preventing them from properly swallowing food and causing a false sense of fullness, leading to starvation. Additionally, the plastic debris can release toxic additives into the water, which then enter the food chain and can have detrimental effects on the health of sea turtles.

The accumulation of microplastics in the oceans has turned them into what scientists call a "plastic soup." This term highlights the pervasive nature of plastic pollution and the urgent need to address it. By reducing, reusing, and recycling plastics, we can help mitigate the impact of plastic pollution on sea turtles and other marine life.

Marine debris entangles turtles

Marine debris is a significant threat to sea turtles, as they can easily become entangled in it. The issue is exacerbated by the fact that plastic debris often resembles the turtles' natural prey, such as jellyfish, or appears to be edible seaweed. As a result, turtles can become trapped in plastic debris while swimming, which can lead to choking, limb loss, and other severe injuries.

The fishing industry is a notable contributor to this problem. Turtles, despite their strong swimming abilities, frequently become entangled in fishing gear and nets. Once entangled, they are weighed down and unable to surface, ultimately leading to drowning. This issue is not limited to the fishing industry, as discarded six-pack rings and other plastic waste can also entangle turtles.

The impact of marine debris on sea turtles is not solely due to physical entanglement. The accumulation of plastic in their digestive systems can also cause internal damage, such as intestinal blockage or piercing of the intestinal wall, leading to internal bleeding. Additionally, the presence of plastic in their guts may impair their ability to absorb nutrients, gradually weakening the turtles over time.

The problem of plastic pollution in the oceans is a pressing environmental crisis. An estimated 8 million metric tons of plastic enter the oceans annually, adding to the already substantial amount of plastic present. This plastic pollution affects sea turtles at every stage of their lives. From hatchlings crawling through plastic on their way to the ocean to adults swimming through it during migration, plastic poses a constant threat.

One of the most concerning aspects of marine debris is the presence of microplastics. These tiny fragments, measuring five millimeters or less, are broken down from larger pieces of plastic. Microplastics are more easily ingested by turtles and can cause severe health issues. Additionally, they act as hosts for invasive species, further exacerbating the damage caused by plastic pollution.

The impact of marine debris on sea turtles is not limited to physical harm. The accumulation of plastic in the oceans has led to the release of toxic additives into the water, contaminating the food chain. Sea turtles, along with other marine organisms, are exposed to these toxins, which can have detrimental effects on their health and the broader marine ecosystem.

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