A recent study published in the Marine Pollution Bulletin has uncovered a shocking discovery: 492 pieces of plastic were found inside the intestines of deceased sea turtles in the Mediterranean. This alarming finding highlights the pervasive issue of marine pollution affecting some of the ocean’s most vulnerable creatures.
Led by researchers from the University of Exeter and the North Cyprus Society for the Protection of Turtles, the study examined 135 loggerhead turtles that either washed ashore or were accidentally entangled in fishing nets off the coast of northern Cyprus. Remarkably, over 40 percent of these turtles contained plastic debris larger than 5 millimeters in their digestive systems.
The prevalence of plastic ingestion in these sea turtles underscores the urgent need for global efforts to reduce plastic waste and protect marine ecosystems. As young global citizens and environmental enthusiasts, it's crucial to advocate for sustainable practices and support initiatives aimed at minimizing plastic pollution in our oceans.
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Hundreds of plastic pieces found inside sea turtles in Mediterranean
cgtn.com
