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There are six species of the worlds overall declining sea turtle populations that are present in the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park World Heritage area, and 4 of these are considered endangered or critically endangered by the IUCN.
Sea turtles are ancient species, having been around since the time of the dinosaurs — for over 110 million years they have endured, wandering across the oceans, living in beautiful reef areas, finding pristine sandy beaches to lay eggs in.
Unfortunately all this changed in a very short space of time.
Many factors are contributing to the fading existence of these gentle souls.
A significant issue is the plastic waste being dumped into the ocean which circulates uncontrollably via currents, wind and tides, this results in pollution travelling long distances, breaking into smaller and smaller pieces over time, which increases the overall number of plastic particles significantly.
As the percentage of consumable size plastic pieces increases, so does the risk of ingestion which can be fatal for turtles of all ages and other marine life.
Research suggests even 1 piece of plastic consumed can increase the chances of death by 22 percent and all 7 species of turtle are known to consume plastics...CSIRO.
Sea turtles are ancient species, having been around since the time of the dinosaurs — for over 110 million years they have endured, wandering across the oceans, living in beautiful reef areas, finding pristine sandy beaches to lay eggs in.
Unfortunately all this changed in a very short space of time.
Many factors are contributing to the fading existence of these gentle souls.
A significant issue is the plastic waste being dumped into the ocean which circulates uncontrollably via currents, wind and tides, this results in pollution travelling long distances, breaking into smaller and smaller pieces over time, which increases the overall number of plastic particles significantly.
As the percentage of consumable size plastic pieces increases, so does the risk of ingestion which can be fatal for turtles of all ages and other marine life.
Research suggests even 1 piece of plastic consumed can increase the chances of death by 22 percent and all 7 species of turtle are known to consume plastics...CSIRO.
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According to various estimates, around 8 -12 million metric tonnes of plastic enter the ocean every year.
But it seems this estimate is rarely updated over the last 5 years, so who really knows how large the true figure really is ? These rates are set to double by the end of the decade. The estimated recoverable plastic waste from the ocean is considered to be at only 10 percent.
We have an out of control plastic crisis on this planet which is being largely ignored with respect to forseeable practical solutions of reduction and elimination into the ocean environment. |
Juvenile turtles can take decades to reach sexual maturity, it is estimated only 1 in a 1000
survive to adulthood to recommence future generations. But with the percentages of plastic particles increasing at an unbelievable pace, this 1 in a 1000 survival opportunity is also under threat.
survive to adulthood to recommence future generations. But with the percentages of plastic particles increasing at an unbelievable pace, this 1 in a 1000 survival opportunity is also under threat.
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One of the more commonly sighted species, the Green sea turtle, listed as endangered by the IUCN, like other species they face a future increasing in pollution from discarded plastics into the ocean which they mistake for food, they can also become entangled in discarded fishing gear/line, slowly choking or drowning to death and large commercial fishing nets that are lost or discarded can become ghost nets which drift along currents, trapping unwary individuals to seal their fate.
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Pictured below, 'Bubbles' the green turtle gets comfy for a late morning nap but harmless Bubbles future could be in jeopardy as her marine environment, the ocean, is continually used as a rubbish tip and the number of plastic pieces escalates at an alarming rate circulating in the marine environment uncontrollably.
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"DON'T THROW IT OVERBOARD"
The fishing industry creates direct waste into the ocean via discarded line, lures, balloons, various fishing/other equipment, recreational pots/nets, bait packaging, food packaging and loss of commercial fishing gear equipment. Whilst the loss of some equipment is inevitable the deliberate disposal of such items is intolerable and must have a zero tolerance approach. Inset, a floating death trap, discarded bait in a plastic bag, a simple solution would have been to discard the unused fish, wash the bag out and store it onboard for disposal at port but instead thoughtless, selfish and deliberate acts like this have the potential to become a death trap for turtles, dolphins, sea birds and other marine life. Our message is simple.... "Don't Throw It Overboard". Bin it at port instead. |
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One of the discarded fishing balloons at sea in prime marine habitat of the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park, it could have been so easily retrieved by the user. Once broken this can appear like a tasty jelly fish to a hungry sea turtle, it is another potential marine life death trap.
"If you see it pick it up". It only takes a few seconds to swoop on a discarded fishing balloon at sea but those few seconds could save an endangered turtle. Don't forget to take a pic of your good deed and share it on your social media pages to encourage others to do the right thing too. Every action makes a difference. |
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How far has this travelled ?
Helium filled balloons used at childrens parties can end up anywhere and this particular one has ended up out near one of the Great Barrier Reef coral area's, again it is a floating death trap with the balloon part capable of choking to death a harmless sea turtle and the ribbon cord being a choking/strangulation hazard. Durable items can have long life spans in the ocean environment. Who would have thought this product would end up out at sea in the Marine Park ? Choosing environmentally friendly products makes a big difference and would have prevented this from occurring. |
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Discarded fishing nets are highly durable and can last in the ocean for decades entangling turtles and other marine life but they can also wreak havoc in turtle reef habitat area's by dragging through corals breaking them down.
What's the solution and where do we start to address these issues ?
The recreational fishing industry must take responsibility and ownership of the waste issue and deliver sustainable improvements. Responsibility at an individual level is also required.
For individuals, changing behaviour's isn't always simple or easy but a good place to start is to lead by example and promote responsible fishing practice. Taking the time to engage in a conversation with people that throw their rubbish overboard destroying the environment could be approached simply by a quick chat about it or enjoying a couple of beers together to discuss an easy way of waste management onboard.
Inviting such a person to a BBQ or onboard your own fishing vessel for example to discuss fishing waste and sharing simple tips to help everyone keep the fishing environment clean helps resolve this issue.
We all have a role to play in stopping fishing industry waste ending up in the ocean, part of being a responsible fisher is to do your bit, it is a simple message to share and remember ...
"Don't Throw it Overboard " and it is a message that makes a real difference once practiced.
The recreational fishing industry must take responsibility and ownership of the waste issue and deliver sustainable improvements. Responsibility at an individual level is also required.
For individuals, changing behaviour's isn't always simple or easy but a good place to start is to lead by example and promote responsible fishing practice. Taking the time to engage in a conversation with people that throw their rubbish overboard destroying the environment could be approached simply by a quick chat about it or enjoying a couple of beers together to discuss an easy way of waste management onboard.
Inviting such a person to a BBQ or onboard your own fishing vessel for example to discuss fishing waste and sharing simple tips to help everyone keep the fishing environment clean helps resolve this issue.
We all have a role to play in stopping fishing industry waste ending up in the ocean, part of being a responsible fisher is to do your bit, it is a simple message to share and remember ...
"Don't Throw it Overboard " and it is a message that makes a real difference once practiced.
We need local, state, national and global action to address marine pollution in all its forms immediately before particular species numbers inevitably collapse under the unstoppable, ever increasing and irreversible plastic pollution into the ocean across the planet.
Clearly many governments across the globe could not care less about ocean health or else they would recognize the present crisis that is affecting the marine life globally and take immediate action.
Clearly many governments across the globe could not care less about ocean health or else they would recognize the present crisis that is affecting the marine life globally and take immediate action.