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Association of ocean macroplastic debris with stranded sea turtles in the Central Gulf of Thailand
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This study investigated the association between macroplastic debris and sea turtles stranded in the Central Gulf of Thailand, finding plastic-related entanglement and ingestion in a substantial fraction of 388 examined turtles. The findings document the ongoing threat of plastic pollution to sea turtle populations in the region.
ABSTRACT The impact of macroplastic debris (> 5 mm in size) on marine life is a global concern but is rarely investigated in Thailand. Our objective was to investigate the relationship between stranded sea turtles and macroplastics found in the Central Gulf of Thailand. The turtle (n = 388) stranding record between 2017-2020 was analysed retrospectively to determine their size, species, and interaction with macroplastics. Thereafter, between 2019-2020, macroplastics were collected, from the gastrointestinal (GI) tract of dead turtles and from the beaches where stranded turtles were found. A stereomicroscope was used to visually categorise the macroplastics, and the plastic composition was analysed using a Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectrometer. Green sea turtles ( Chelonia mydas ) were found to account for the majority of stranded turtles (74%, n = 251), and macroplastics were discovered in 74% of cases of entanglement and ingestion. At the juvenile stage, the stranded turtle was strongly related to macroplastics. Immature turtles were more likely to become entangled than adult turtles. Entangled turtles had a greater survival rate than turtles that had consumed plastic. The plastic fibres were the majority of macroplastics found in the GI tracts (62%, n = 152/244) and on the beach (64%, n = 74/115). Most fibres from GI tracts (83%, n = 126/152) and the beaches (93%, n = 68/74) were identified as the fishing net comprised of polyethylene or polypropylene. We concluded that fishing nets made of polyethylene or polypropylene might be one of the significant causes of sea turtle stranding in the Central Gulf of Thailand, and this issue requires immediate resolution.
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Association of ocean macroplastic debris with stranded sea turtles in the Central Gulf of Thailand
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers retrospectively analyzed records of 388 stranded sea turtles in the Central Gulf of Thailand from 2017-2020 and examined macroplastics from the gastrointestinal tracts of 30 dead turtles and 13 beaches, finding that green turtles (Chelonia mydas) comprised the majority of strandings and that plastic ingestion and entanglement were significant mortality factors.
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This review examines the multiple ways plastic pollution threatens marine turtles, including ingestion of plastic debris mistaken for food, entanglement, and chemical exposure, noting that turtles' complex life histories and wide-ranging movements make them particularly vulnerable to plastic in diverse ocean zones.
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Researchers assessed microplastic occurrence, abundance, and characteristics in coral, seawater, and sediment samples from two reef sites in the Gulf of Thailand, detecting microplastics in all coral samples at concentrations ranging from 0.24 to 2.60 particles per gram and finding spatial variability across reef species and sites.
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This review examined evidence for plastic debris effects on all seven marine turtle species, finding they all experience ingestion or entanglement, with documented consequences including intestinal blockage, dietary dilution, malnutrition, and death. The authors also highlight how plastic pollution on nesting beaches can alter nest temperature and sediment permeability, potentially affecting sex ratios and reproductive success.
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When a large batch of papers lands in the Atlas, we read through it and send a short write-up of what stood out.