World Sea Turtle Week
Key Stats: Sea Turtles & Plastic Threats
1. Prevalence of Plastic Ingestion
An estimated 52% of all sea turtles worldwide have ingested plastic debris
In one study of 102 turtles from three ocean basins, every single turtle had synthetic particles—including microplastics—in its digestive system, with over 800 pieces found in some specimens
A comprehensive literature review across 110 studies estimated overall ingestion frequency around 54% across examined turtles
2. Fatal Risk from Ingestion
Research by CSIRO and the University of the Sunshine Coast revealed that ingestion of just one plastic item raises the risk of death by 22%, while ingesting 14 or more items increases mortality risk to ~50%
3. Entanglement Dangers
Approximately 91% of turtles that become entangled in discarded fishing gear die as a result
4. Species-Specific Vulnerabilities
Leatherback turtles, which feed primarily on jellyfish, often mistake plastic bags—floating like jellyfish—for food; about one-third of adults have ingested plastic
Loggerhead turtles, which forage near the surface, ingest various plastic items including bags, fragments, balloons and fishing line—leading to internal injuries, malnutrition, and toxic chemical absorption
5. Plastic as an Ocean Reservoir
Green turtles globally are estimated to carry 7.5–8.2 tonnes of plastic in their gastrointestinal tracts, acting as unintentional transporters of plastic between ecosystems
Broader Context
Estimates suggest 5 to 13 million metric tons of plastic enter the ocean yearly—an amount expected to rise dramatically in coming decades
In major marine habitats, contamination hotspots exist—particularly the Mediterranean Sea, where sea turtles serve as recognized bio-indicators for plastic pollution exposure
Impacts on Turtle Health & Survival
Digestive blockages occur when turtles ingest plastic resembling their prey, like bags or balloons, often leading to starvation or fatal perforation
Toxins leach from ingested plastics (e.g. PCBs), accumulating in turtles’ organs and eggs—impacting reproduction and hatchling survival
Delayed maturation and reduced nutrient absorption are additional sub-lethal effects observed in individuals exposed to plastic in their diet
