The Effects of Marine Debris on Sea Turtles A fact tragically unknown to much of the human population is that marine debris has a major effect on sea turtle populations throughout the world. world during various life stages of sea turtles. This type of pollution has proven to be harmful to sea turtle habitats and their lives. Marine litter can be defined as any solid waste produced or treated imported into the marine environment (Campani, et al., 2013). Various examples of marine debris are fishing nets, plastic bags, cans, bottles, and tires (“Impacts of Marine Debris,” 2012). Early in a sea turtle's life, debris on shorelines makes it difficult for newborn turtles to complete their ocean journey (Triessing, et al.). Their failure to complete this extremely important task inevitably results in terrifying consequences for the turtles. Once they leave the beach, they commonly mistake plastic bags floating in the ocean for squid or jellyfish, which is why they consume them (“Marine debrisimpacts,” 2012). Ingestion of marine debris by sea turtles proves harmful because the debris provides the turtles with a false sense of satiety and, due to this pseudo-fullness, they starve to death. Additionally, sea turtles often become trapped in marine debris which then drowns or suffocates them (“Marine Debris Impacts,” 2012). Consumption of marine debris increases the amount of nitrogen in the diet of sea turtles (Slip & Burton). Scientists found marine debris in 35% of loggerheads examined in the Adriatic Sea in 2010 (Lazar & Gračan 2011). Due to the composition of marine debris, it has many effects on sea turtle populations, including: hindering hatchlings... middle of paper... 370 autopsies (conservation implications of food dilution resulting from ingestion of debris). With all the knowledge about the negative effects this marine debris has on the lives of sea turtles (as well as a number of other unnamed marine creatures), comes the responsibility to be proactive towards creating a safer and more sustainable environment. healthy environment in which sea turtles can live and continue to thrive unhindered for many generations to come. First, and probably most obviously, we need to be more careful about stopping the genesis of marine debris at its point of origin. As humans we simply need to stop being so careless about waste and recycling. All it takes is awareness of the harmful effects that non-recycling and waste have on all types of living systems, as well as the desire to make a difference..