sea turtles Archives

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

Environment Marine and Freshwater Biology

Sea Turtles Fooled by Trash Resembling Their Food

June 21, 2021June 21, 2021 Science Connectedplastic pollution, sea turtles

Sea turtles that mistake trash for food are in for a world of hurt. Green sea turtles and loggerhead turtles often mistake plastic bags for jellies.

Sea turtle photographed by Lorianne DiSabato at the New England Aquarium in Boston, MA (CC BY-NC-ND 2.0)

Environment Oceanography Zoology

To Sea Turtles, Ocean Plastic Smells Like Food

April 8, 2020April 8, 2020 Science Connectedanimal behavior, ocean plastic, pollution, sea turtles

Sea turtles may eat plastic found in the ocean because it builds up a layer of microorganisms and smells the same as their food, a new study finds.

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

Environment Oceanography Zoology

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…