Sea Turtles - They Depend on Us

Who doesn't love a sea turtle?  

Sadly, their environment is being overrun through carelessness of humans.  Sea turtles are one of the many marine species that are heavily impacted by plastic pollution in our oceans. Plastic waste can have devastating effects on these gentle creatures, from harming their habitats to causing injury or even death. In this blog post, we'll explore how plastic in the oceans affects sea turtles and what we can do to help protect them.

How plastic pollution affects sea turtles:

1. Ingestion: Sea turtles can mistake plastic debris for food, especially plastic bags and other soft plastics that resemble jellyfish. Once ingested, the plastic can cause blockages in the turtle's digestive system, leading to malnutrition, infection, and even death.

2. Entanglement: Sea turtles can become entangled in plastic debris like fishing nets, plastic bags, and six-pack rings. This can cause severe injuries or even suffocation, making it difficult for turtles to swim or find food.

3. Habitat destruction: Plastic pollution can also harm sea turtle habitats, including coral reefs, beaches, and nesting sites. Plastic debris can cover nesting areas, making it difficult for turtles to lay their eggs. It can also damage coral reefs, which are essential habitats for many marine species, including sea turtles.

What we can do to help sea turtles and other marine life:

1. Reduce plastic use: By reducing our use of single-use plastics like bags, bottles, and straws, we can help reduce the amount of plastic waste that ends up in our oceans.

2. Properly dispose of plastic: Properly disposing of plastic waste can help prevent it from ending up in our oceans. This includes recycling, composting, and disposing of plastic products in designated waste containers.

3. Support marine conservation efforts: Supporting organizations that work to protect sea turtles and their habitats can make a big difference. One of these is the Georgia Sea Turtle Center.  For more information, click here.  This can include donating to conservation organizations, participating in beach cleanups, and spreading awareness about the importance of protecting our oceans.

4. Use sustainable alternatives: Choosing sustainable alternatives to plastic products can help reduce plastic pollution. This can include using reusable bags, bottles, and containers, as well as opting for biodegradable or compostable products.

By taking action to reduce plastic use and support conservation efforts, we can help protect sea turtles and other magnificent creatures of the sea and ensure that our oceans remain healthy and thriving for generations to come.