Plastic can be extremely dangerous to sea turtles for their health and saftey. They can easily get wrapped up in plastic waste, take a plastic bag for a jellyfish (which they enjoy eating) and choke, and it is generally important to keep our oceans and beach clean. Therefore it is extremely important that we keep our plastic out of their home!
Getting involved in local community activities is always a good way to get active and participating in local beach clean ups is even more rewarding. Plastic is not biodegradable meaning that it cannot decompose among other organisms. Turtles will mistakenly eat plastic bags as they look very similar to jellyfish and other marine life, alongside turtles, can get tangled up in plastic which they cannot remove themselves. During beach clean ups, you may just save a turtle from consuming or getting tangled up in plastic!
Reducing the amount of plastic you produce can begin at a simple step of buying a reusable bag or bottle you can use in place of plastic. Whenever going to the grocery store or going to the gym, it better off for the environment that you bring your own bag or bottle instead of buying plastic. Although it may seem more convenient to just take the plastic bag or buy a bottle on the go, it is a way to reduce or impact on the environment the rest of the world lives in.
Sometimes plastic debris isn't the only thing that is getting in a sea turtles way to a happy life, but is actually basic things we don’t always think about that we can do to preserve their habitat. Filling holes or kicking down sand castles will allow sea turtles and their babies have a clear pathway to the ocean. Removing umbrellas, chairs and other beach equipment can get rid of any obstacles.
Sea Turtles love to hang around bays, sounds and oceans and need to be able to come up to the surface for air. It is extremely important that boaters slow down and watch out for sea turtles. Boaters and fishers should also always comply with the rules and always cleaning up after themselves!
