EFFECTS OF ANTHROPOGENIC DEBRIS ON SEA TURTLES IN THE NORTHWESTERN GULF OF MEXICO

Abstract

Reports of sea turtles ingesting and becoming entangled in marine debris and the adverse effects associated with these encounters exist worldwide, but the magnitude of this problem has yet to be determined. Data collected from sea turtles stranded on the south Texas coast from 1986 through 1988 indicate that they are significantly affected by ingestion of and, to a lesser extent, by entanglement in marine debris, All five species of sea turtles found in the Gulf of Mexico, both male and female, posthatchling through adult, had eaten or were ensnared by debris. Plastics discarded at sea were involved in the majority of these incidents. cargo ships, research vessels, commercial and recreational fishing boats, and other seagoing vessels are primarily responsible for the trash discarded at sea which threatens sea turtles in the Gulf of Mexico. The offshore oil industry,