Poster abstracts and manuscripts from the Third International ...

93
Teas, Wendy G. and Wayne N. Witzell
Impacts of Anthropogenic Debris on Marine Turtles in the
Western North Atlantic Ocean
Southeast Fisheries Science Center, National Marine Fisheries
Service, NOAA, Miami, Florida, USA
Abstract
Impacts on marine turtles due to entanglement and debris
ingestion have been documented by Sea Turtle Stranding and
Salvage Network (STSSN) participants via observation and/or
necropsy of stranded specimens. Data compiled by the STSSN from
1980 through 1992 have been analyzed in an effort to quantify the
adverse effects of anthropogenic debris on marine turtles in the
western North Atlantic Ocean. All five species inhabiting the
data collection area were shown to be affected. Impacts varied
based on species, size class, geographic region and season.
Introduction
The data used-in this analysis were collected by the National
Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) Sea Turtle Stranding and Salvage
Network (STSSN). This network was established in 1980 to
document marine turtle strandings along the U.S. Atlantic and
Gulf of Mexico coasts, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands.
Data are collected by volunteers who document stranding events in
their respective areas and contribute those data to a centralized
database located at the NMFS Miami Laboratory.
Data collected by the STSSN are useful in documenting the impacts
of anthropogenic debris on marine turtles; however, care must be
taken when interpreting these data. Stranding coverage has
varied both temporally and spatially and the quality of the data
has increased as observers gain experience. These data,
therefore, represent a sample of sea turtles affected by marine
debris.
Results
Network members examined 676 marine turtles affected by
anthropogenic debris from 1980 through 1992 - 260 loggerheads
(Caretta caretta), 208 greens (Chelonia mydas), 83 leatherbacks
(Dermochelys coriacea), 75 hawksbills (Eretmochelys imbricata),
35 Kemp's ridleys (Lenidochelys kempii) and 15 turtles which were
not identified to species.. Geographically, 243 turtles were
documented in the Gulf of Mexico, 332 in the southeast U. S.
Atlantic, 81 in the northeast U.S. Atlantic and 20 in the U.S.
Caribbean. A total of 182 turtles were entangled in monofilament
line, 74 were entangled in fish net material, 114 were entangled
in trap lines or rope and 46 were entangled in non-fishing gear
debris. Non-fishing gear debris included plastic fiber "onion"
sacks, burlap bags, plastic bags, plastic six-pack yokes, packing
twine, steel cable, aluminum beach chairs and various other
materials. A total of 103 turtles ingested plastic pieces or
balloons and 94 turtles ingested monofilament line and/or fish
hooks. A total of 118 turtles were affected by tar and/or oil.