The sea turtle that swallowed a rubber witch’s finger: Heartbreaking footage shows the devastating impact of plastic pollution on Earth
- Scientists analyzed the intestines of dead sea turtles in the Mediterranean Sea
- They found hundreds of plastic items, including a Halloween toy with a witch’s finger
Heartbreaking new images have highlighted the devastating impact of plastic pollution on Earth.
Scientists analyzing the intestines of dead sea turtles in the Mediterranean Sea discovered hundreds of plastic objects.
This includes bottle caps, gum wrappers, and even a Halloween toy with a rubber witch’s finger.
“The journey of that Halloween toy – from a child’s costume to the inside of a sea turtle – is a fascinating insight into the life cycle of plastic,” said the study’s lead author, Dr Emily Duncan, from the University of Exeter.
‘These turtles feed on gelatinous prey such as jellyfish and seafloor prey such as crustaceans, and it is easy to see how this item might have looked like a crab claw.’
Scientists analyzing the intestines of dead sea turtles in the Mediterranean Sea discovered hundreds of plastic objects. This includes bottle caps, gum wrappers, and even a rubber Halloween toy with a witch’s finger (pictured)
In the study, researchers examined 135 hawksbill turtles that had washed up or been killed as bycatch in fishing nets off the coast of Northern Cyprus.
In the study, researchers examined 135 hawksbill turtles that had washed up or been killed as bycatch in fishing nets off the coast of Northern Cyprus.
An analysis of their guts showed that more than 40 percent contained large pieces of plastic, also known as macroplastics.
In total, 492 pieces of macroplastic were found in the study, 67 of which were in just one turtle.
“The plastics we found were largely sheet-like (62%), clear (41%) or white (25%) and the most common polymers identified were polypropylene (37%) and polyethylene (35%),” says Dr. Duncan.
“It’s likely that turtles are ingesting the plastics that largely resemble their food.”
In total, the study found 492 pieces of macroplastic in the turtles’ intestines, including as many as 67 in one turtle.
“The plastics we found were largely sheet-like (62%), clear (41%) or white (25%) and the most common polymers identified were polypropylene (37%) and polyethylene (35%),” says Dr. Duncan.
Worryingly, researchers say they still don’t know the full impact of macroplastics on turtle health.
‘Negative effects can include causing blockages and restricting diet,’ Dr Duncan added.
While the study highlights the devastating impact of Earth’s plastic pollution on sea turtles, experts say more research is now needed.
“Much larger sample sizes will be required for loggerheads to be an effective ‘bio-indicator’ species,” said Professor Brendan Godley, co-author of the study.
‘We recommend that studies also include green turtles, allowing a more holistic picture to be collected.’
The news comes shortly after images revealed how hermit crabs are increasingly being forced to live in our waste.
While the study highlights the devastating impact of Earth’s plastic pollution on sea turtles, experts say more research is now needed
Experts from the University of Warsaw analyzed online photos taken by nature lovers and recorded 386 individuals using ‘artificial shells’.
It’s not yet clear whether this new behavior is harmful to the creatures, which need “armor” to protect their soft bellies.
Professor Marta Szulkin said: ‘In the photos we discovered a total of 386 individuals using ‘artificial shells’ – mainly plastic caps, but also made from broken necks of glass bottles or metal ends of light bulbs.
‘According to our calculations, 10 of the 16 species of terrestrial hermit crabs in the world use these types of shelters.
‘This unusual behavior is observed in all tropical regions of the Earth.’