Evaluation of Marine Debris Ingestion in Sea Turtles around Okinawa Island, Japan

Some previous studies on sea turtles have reported that accidental ingestion of marine debris may prevent survival and growth by causing perforations or blockages of the digestive system (Schuyler et al. 2012), reducing nutrient absorption (McCauley & Bjorndal 1999), and increasing absorption of harmful substances into the body (Teuten et al. 2009). [...]the frequency of marine debris in green turtles was lower in the southern region, including around Okinawa Island and Yaeyama Islands, and higher in the northern region, including the main islands of Japan. [...]we suggest that the migration area for foraging has an effect on the encounter and ingestion rates of marine debris within sea turtle populations. [...]we suggest that the frequency of marine debris ingestion is driven by appetite, which is related to sexual maturity.