Plastic Creates 'Evolutionary Trap' for Young Sea Turtles
Published:09 Aug.2021 Source:University of Exeter
Plastic pollution creates an "evolutionary trap" for young sea turtles, new research shows. The study, led by the University of Exeter, found plastic inside small juvenile turtles along both the east (Pacific) and west (Indian Ocean) coasts of Australia.
After hatching on beaches, sea turtles travel on currents and spend their early years in the open ocean. But these currents now accumulate vast quantities of plastic and -- feeding near the surface -- many young turtles swallow it. The research team included Murdoch University, the Department of Environment and Science (Queensland) and the Department of Biodiversity Conservation and Attractions (Western Australia).