The Effects of Marine Debris on Sea TurtlesA fact tragically unknown to most of the human population is that marine debris has a significant effect on sea turtle populations across the world during different stages of the life of sea turtles. This type of pollution has proven to be detrimental to sea turtle habitats, as well as their lives. Marine debris can be defined as any manufactured or processed solid waste imported into the marine environment (Campani, et al., 2013). Various examples of marine debris are fishing nets, plastic bags, cans, bottles and tires (“Marine debris impacts”, 2012). Early in a sea turtle's life, debris on shorelines prevents newly hatched turtles from completing their journey into the ocean (Triessing, et al.). Their failure to complete this extremely important task inevitably leads to horrific consequences for the turtles. Once they leave the beach, they often mistake plastic bags floating in the ocean for squid or jellyfish, which is why they consume them (“Marine debris impacts,” 2012). The ingestion of marine debris by sea turtles proves harmful because the debris gives the turtles a false sense of satiety and, because of this pseudo-satisfaction, they starve to death. In addition, sea turtles are often caught in marine debris which drowns or suffocates them (“Marine debris impacts”, 2012). Consumption of marine debris increases the amount of nitrogen in the diet of sea turtles (Slip & Burton). Scientists found marine debris in 35% of loggerheads examined in the Adriatic Sea in 2010 (Lazar & Gračan 2011). Due to the composition of marine debris, it has many effects on sea turtle populations such as: disturbing the baby...... middle of paper ...... 370 necropsies (Conservation Implications of Dietary Dilution from debris ingestion). With all the knowledge regarding the negative effects of this marine debris on the lives of sea turtles (as well as a litany of other unnamed sea creatures) comes the responsibility to implement some proactivity to create a safer environment and healthier environment in which sea turtles can inhabit and continue to thrive unobstructed for many generations to come. First, and probably most obvious, we need to be more careful to stop the genesis of marine debris at its point of origin. As humans, we simply need to stop being so careless when it comes to waste and recycling. All it requires is an awareness of the detrimental effects that non-recycling and waste have on all kinds of vital systems, and a desire to make a difference..