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Marine Debris in Green Sea Turtles along the Northern Coast of Taiwan
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Researchers examined marine debris ingested by green sea turtles along the northern coast of Taiwan, surveying 191 dead animals collected from 2012 to 2019. Plastic rope, soft and hard plastics, and foam were the most commonly ingested debris types, with white and transparent colors predominating. The study provides the first systematic data on marine debris ingestion by sea turtles in Taiwanese waters.
Sea turtles ingesting marine debris is a major problem worldwide. This is the first study ever done on the marine debris ingested by sea turtles in Taiwan, 191 dead green sea turtles from 2012 to 2019, mainly in northern coasts. We identified seven debris types and 15 colors. Plastic rope, soft and hard plastics, foam plastic and unidentified material were the most common ingested debris. White, transparent and mixture were either the common or the most common ingested color. Juveniles consumed more type of debris than the other age classes. Debris was found remain in the digestive tract for several weeks or longer prior to be found or excretion.
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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.