Effects of Marine Debris on Sea Turtles

Investigate foraging ecology of marine debris ingestion by sea turtles in coastal waters to determine the extent to which marine debris is a contributing factor in sea turtle morality.

During the last decade, the National Park Service has conducted a national program to investigate marine debris washed ashore on various National Seashores. The MARPOL Annex V regulations prohibit disposal of plastics and other trash in the Gulf of Mexico. Ingestion of marine debris by sea turtles may be a contributing factor in sea turtle mortality. The primary objectives of this project are to investigate and determine the following for sea turtles found stranded in south Texas: 1) food habits for hatchlings, juveniles, sub- adults, and adults; 2) resource partitioning; 3) marine debris items ingested; 4) differences between the amounts and frequency of marine debris ingestion before and after the passage of the MARPOL Annex V Treaty; and 5) sex ratios and breeding colonies of origin.