How Many Turtle Die From Plastic
With the increasing amount of plastic waste in our oceans, sea creatures are under new threats. Turtles are not exempted. But how many turtles actually die from plastic ingestion?
An approximate 1,000 to 10,000 sea turtles die from plastic each year, according to marine biologists. This, however, is a conservative estimate as it’s impossible to count all affected turtles due to vast oceanic expanse and less visible consequences.
Ready to dive deeper? Let’s delve further into discussing this troubling byproduct of our plastic-dependent society, and its devastating effects on marine life.
The Dilemma of the Disappearing Turtles
Sea turtles have been swimming our oceans for over 100 million years; they are one of our planet’s ancient creatures. Today, all seven species of sea turtles are seriously threatened by human activities, particularly plastic pollution. Understanding the magnitude of this problem is key to appreciating the urgency required in addressing it.
Human creations, particularly non-biodegradable plastics, are devastating our marine life at an alarming rate. It is estimated that every year, a shocking 8 million tons of plastic waste make their way into our oceans. Discarded fishing gear, shopping bags, straws, beverage cups and other plastic debris are choking our waters and, quite literally, our marine creatures, including the venerable sea turtles.
The plight of the sea turtles is particularly dire. A 2018 study suggests that over half of the world’s sea turtles have ingested plastic at some point in their lives. The same study estimated that 90% of all sea turtles could have consumed plastic. These are sobering statistics, and they paint a worrying picture for these ancient mariners of the sea.
Sea turtles are especially vulnerable to plastic ingestion and entanglement. Their favourite food, jellyfish, often looks like translucent plastic bags floating in the water. Lured by this visual deception, many turtles end up with a belly full of plastic, which results in blockages, internal injuries, and, ultimately, death. Furthermore, innocent-looking six-pack plastic rings and discarded fishing nets can trap and suffocate these gentle creatures.
Scientists estimate that at least 1,000 sea turtles die each year from plastic ingestion or entanglement, but the actual number is believed to be much higher. Considering the slow rate at which sea turtles reproduce, these deaths due to plastic pollution can have a significant and devastating impact on sea turtle populations worldwide.
As we delve into the topic, it’s clear that the problem isn’t just how many turtles die from plastic, but how our disposable culture is driving these ancient creatures to extinction.
Delving into the Death Toll
Let’s take a good hard look at the grueling statistical reality of turtle deaths caused by plastic. These are certainly figures that no one is proud of, yet they highlight the urgent necessity for human intervention and protective measures.
Yearly Figures: Deaths of Turtles
So, how many turtles actually die from plastic every year?
Worldwide research indicates that around 1,000 marine turtles die every year due to plastic ingestion and entanglement. This count may sound shocking enough, but the actual number could be much higher since many of these tragic deaths go unnoticed and unreported.
A staggering research article published in the journal ‘Global Change Biology’ highlighted that over half of the world’s sea turtles have swallowed plastic or other human trash. The same study also reported that a turtle has a 22% chance of dying after ingesting just one single piece of plastic. This statistic alone underscores the grim danger that lurks in our oceans for these magnificent aquatic reptiles.
Regional Breakdown: Worst Affected Areas
Now, let’s drill down to the regional statistics. Which areas are the most violent contributors to the silent massacre of turtles by plastic?
Unfortunately, this isn’t a title any region would like to hold. But, the data points towards Pacific’s coast of Central America as one of the worst-affected areas. Over 1,000 turtles are believed to be killed due to plastic ingestion and entanglement each year in this region alone.
Another critical area is the Gulf of Carpentaria in Northern Australia. It’s deemed one of the world’s worst areas for marine plastic pollution. Here, wildlife veterinarians report an alarmingly high number of turtles dying due to plastic-induced digestive blockages.
Asia’s exact figures are hard to come by, but the beaches of Thailand and Malaysia have suffered extensive turtle casualties and nest destruction due to plastic waste.
The devastating toll of plastic on our marine life is a painful reality we can no longer ignore or downplay. Every piece of plastic discarded recklessly is a potential death sentence for a turtle.
The Lethal Love Story: Turtles and Plastics
Turtles have a fatal attraction to plastics. In their marine habitats, an increasing onslaught of plastic waste is leading to tragic outcomes. But how many turtles die from plastic? It is estimated that a staggering 1,000 marine turtle deaths are caused each year due to plastic ingestion and entanglement. Let’s delve into the gruesome details of this lethal love story between turtles and plastics.
Death by Deception: Mistaking Plastic for Prey
A major cause of turtle mortality from plastic is the unfortunate case of mistaken identity. Too often, turtles confuse floating plastic waste for their typical prey. Stinging jellyfish, a staple in many sea turtles’ diet, closely resemble plastic bags floating in water. A study from the University of Queensland Australia found that, especially in young turtles, consumption of plastic was incredibly common. In fact, it is estimated that more than 50% of sea turtles worldwide have ingested plastic – and it only takes one piece to be fatal.
Incidental Indigestion: Accidental Ingestion of Plastics
Even when not deliberately consuming plastics, turtles can still fall victim to incidental indigestion of these lethal materials. For instance, when grazing on seagrass or snapping at passing fish, turtles may accidentally ingest small pieces of invisible microplastic. These particles, often smaller than 5mm, have spread prolifically across our oceans due to the breakdown of larger plastic pieces and can cause internal blockages and injury.
The Fatal Float: Buoyancy Disorder
Another harmful impact of plastic ingestion in turtles is ‘buoyancy disorder,’ also informally known as ‘the fatal float.’ When turtles ingest plastic items, these objects can generate gas in their digestive system. This causes the afflicted turtles to float, disrupting their ability to dive for food or to avoid predators. Without treatment, this often leads to starvation, exhaustion or being hit by vessels – all of which can be fatal.
A Detailed Look at the Culprits
Plastic pollution is one of the biggest threats that sea turtles face today. The consequences are catastrophic, and the impact is far-reaching. Let’s take a detailed look at the culprits that silently but surely are endangering these ancient creatures.
Bagged by Bags: The Danger of Plastic Bags
Every year, an estimated 1 trillion plastic bags are consumed worldwide. Unfortunately, many of these end up in our oceans. For sea turtles, these floating plastic bags are often mistaken for jellyfish, a common food source. A study found that a whopping 52% of the world’s sea turtles have eaten plastic waste, mistaking it for food. Ingesting plastic can lead to blockage, malnutrition, and eventual death. Furthermore, turtles can also get tangled in plastic bags, hindering their ability to swim and causing them to drown.
Deadly Dinner: Plastic Pellets
Another significant threat to turtles comes from microplastics, specifically, plastic pellets also known as “nurdles”. These tiny fragments, often not bigger than 5mm, are used as a raw material in the manufacturing of plastic products. A 2015 study estimated that around 15-51 trillion microplastic particles have accumulated in the ocean. Since these fragments are so small, they are often ingested by a large variety of marine life, including sea turtles. The ingestion of microplastics has been linked to inflammation, growth issues, and reduced feeding in turtles.
Caught in the Crosshairs: Discarded Fishing Gear
Fishing gear is yet another deadly threat for sea turtles. Discarded fishing nets, lines, and other equipment make up around 10% of the plastic in the world’s oceans. These ‘ghost nets’ continue to catch fish and other marine animals, including sea turtles, long after they’ve been abandoned. A report from the United Nations revealed that an estimated 640,000 tonnes of fishing gear gets left in our oceans each year, making sea turtles and other marine life vulnerable to entanglement, injury, and death.
The Ripple Effect: Impact on Ecosystem
Our ecosystem is a tightly entwined web of different species, weather conditions, and natural elements. When something disrupts this fragile balance, the ripples can be felt throughout the entire ecosystem. This is precisely what happens when turtles, a key species in our aquatic ecosystems, ingest plastic or get entangled in it.
Bioaccumulation: A Silent Killer
WWF reports that an estimated 52% of all sea turtles worldwide have eaten plastic debris. When turtles mistake floating plastic for food and ingest it, it can lead to a critical condition known as bioaccumulation. This condition is the build-up of harmful substances within an organism over time.
Plastic is indigestible, leading to the build-up of plastic particles in the turtles’ systems over time. This can not only harm the turtles’ health but also potentially lead to death. According to a study published in the journal iScience, a turtle can die from ingesting just one piece of plastic. Bioaccumulation can lead to slow and painful deaths for many turtles impacted by plastic pollution.
Breaking the Food Chain: The Larger Impact
When turtles, especially those at the top of the food chain, are killed off or have their numbers significantly decreased by plastic, it disrupts the equilibrium of our ecosystems. According to the See Turtles organization, turtles play a significant role in marine ecosystems by maintaining healthy seagrass beds and coral reefs, providing key habitat for other marine life, helping to balance marine food webs, and facilitating nutrient cycling from water to land.
As per data from the same study in iScience, the death of a significant number of turtles can trigger a domino effect — impacting the species that rely on turtles as a food source or the functioning of the ecosystem that depends on them. In the end, this can cause catastrophic changes to the marine and even terrestrial ecosystems.
Action for Activists: What Can We Do
Estimatedly, more than a thousand turtles die from plastic each year. The danger has escalated primarily due to the increasing consumption of single-use plastic products. But all hope is not lost; as individuals committed to making a difference, there are numerous actions that we can undertake to address this alarming issue.
The Power of Small Changes: Cutting Down Plastic Use
Start by reducing your plastic use. Small changes lead to big impacts. The Ellen MacArthur Foundation found that by 2050, there will be more plastic than fish in our oceans if our plastic usage stays the same. You can begin by swapping out single-use plastics for more sustainable options: try a reusable water bottle, bring your own shopping bags, and say no to plastic straws. In the UK, a ban on single-use plastic straws led to a significant decrease in their usage: from 1.8 billion per year to around 600 million.
Cleaning up the Coasts: Participating in Beach Cleans
Another effective solution is joining coastal cleanups. These initiatives empower individuals to clean our beaches and waterways, one piece of garbage at a time. In the year 2021 alone, Ocean Conservancy’s International Coastal Cleanup Day resulted in the collection of over 20.8 million pounds of trash globally. Coastal cleanups not only remove harmful waste from the environment but they also raise awareness about the gravity of plastic pollution.
A Call for Legislation: Advocacy for Policy Changes
Your voice matters. Supporting legislation to regulate our plastic use can create large-scale change. For example, in 2015, California implemented a state-wide ban on carry-out plastic bags at large retail stores, which lead to a significant decrease in plastic bag litter. Similarly, the European Union’s ban on various single-use plastics which came into effect in 2021, is aiming to reduce marine litter by 50% for the ten most prominent items and avoid environmental damage costs of €22 billion by 2030. Your advocacy for such legislative changes can go a long way in preventing the needless demise of marine life due to plastic.
Success Stories: When Humans Help
While there’s no denying the heartbreaking reality that a significant number of turtles are dying due to plastic pollution (approximately 1,000 marine turtles annually), it’s important to remember that every dark cloud has a silver lining. There are individuals and organizations who are doing their part in preventing these deaths and working to reduce plastic pollution.
Individual Initiatives: The Power of the Single Voice
One such defense against this brutal onslaught comes from individuals who have taken it upon themselves to help. In Australia, a young man named Calem Adler launched The Turtle Project. Adler’s journey began when he found a critically endangered Hawksbill Turtle entangled in debris and almost fatally wounded. Removed from its natural habitat and brought into human care, Adler began the arduous process of rehabilitating the small creature – an initiative that would ultimately evolve into a larger project committed to helping protect turtles from plastic waste.
In Florida, a local surfer named Shaun Glow became an unlikely hero when he began cleaning up the beach during his surfing sessions. Glow calls his mission “Plastic Symptoms” and encourages other surfers and beach-goers to join him in collecting and properly disposing of any plastic they come across.
Organizations Making a Difference: The Big Players
Apart from these singular efforts, organizations worldwide are stepping up to combat this problem. Ocean Conservancy, for instance, is a nonprofit environmental advocacy group based in Washington, D.C. Their International Coastal Cleanup initiative has removed over 220 million pounds of trash from the world’s oceans since 1986. Their work helps save countless marine lives, including turtles, from the deadly impact of plastic pollution.
Greenpeace, another globally renowned organization, has also been instrumental in fighting against plastic pollution. They have launched numerous awareness campaigns, led public demonstrations, and put pressure on corporations to reduce their plastic footprint. In June 2017, Greenpeace ships set sail to expose the extent of plastic pollution in the Antarctic, which directly threatens the lives of marine organisms such as turtles.
Other organizations like the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) and the Sea Turtle Conservancy are also doing their parts to ensure the preservation of turtle species around the globe. These organizations focus on strategies like beach cleanups, recycling initiatives, legislative lobbying, and public education to increase awareness and inspire action.
Resources
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9854423/
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6137038/
- http://www.research.usf.edu/absolute-news/templates/?a=8531&z=1
