Solid waste and turtles

Solid waste, particularly when floating in the marine environment presents a problem for many larger species. These risk harm both from entanglement and from ingestion. Marine turtles would appear to be particularly susceptible to this problem and have been observed with such products as balloons, plastic bags, tar balls and polystyrene (styrofoam) in their guts. Floating plastic bags look similar to jellyfish which are an important component of the diet of some species. Even at low levels of ingestion these can interfere with gut function and metabolism, and may have toxic effects. Larger objects may lead to asphyxiation or block the gut and lead to death by starvation.

Turtle found dead among marine litter. Photo: �UNEP 1999 Topham Picturepoint

Plastic rings which are used to hold drinks cans are one item which is regularly recorded to cause death to a broad range of creatures, including fish and seabirds. They get tangled around a limb, neck or body and may cause strangulation, or may remain for some time, with their sharp edges gradually cutting into the body and causing infection.