plastic in ocean Archives - Science Connected Magazine

Sea Turtles: Josephine the Loggerhead Turtle (Caretta caretta). Fish Rock Cave, South West Rocks, NSW. Photo by Richard Ling.

Sea Turtles Fooled by Trash Resembling Their Food

July 18, 2016July 14, 2016 Science Connectedloggerhead turtles, plastic in ocean, sea turtles

By Emily Rhode @riseandsci With an estimated 5 trillion pieces of plastic debris floating in the world’s oceans, marine animals are increasingly suffering from the effects of human-generated trash. Many species of marine animals are affected by pollution, but those that mistake trash for food, such as green and loggerhead sea turtles, are often the hardest hit. Sea turtles have been around for millions of years, but are now coming up against unprecedented human threats. Their ability to tell trash from food could be the key to their survival. Sea Turtles…

Green sea turtles swimming near North Stradbroke Island, Australia (Photos by Kathy Townsend)

Animals Environment Oceanography

Sea Turtles Poisoned by Plastic

September 14, 2015May 12, 2016 Science Connectedmarine life, marine mammals, plastic in ocean, sea turtles

By Kate Stone Mr. McGuire: I want to say one word to you. Just one word. Benjamin: Yes, sir. Mr. McGuire: Are you listening? Benjamin: Yes, I am. Mr. McGuire: Plastics. Benjamin: Exactly how do you mean? Mr. McGuire: There’s a great future in plastics. Think about it. Will you think about it? (The Graduate, 1967) An international study led by the University of Queensland has revealed that more than half the world’s sea turtles have ingested plastic and other rubbish. The study, led by Dr. Qamar Schuyler from UQ’s…