Reblog: Rare sea turtles eating plastic at record rate

"Sea turtles around the world are eating plastic at an unprecedented pace, a new study reveals, with some species downing twice as much as they did 25 years ago. This indigestible, potentially fatal diet is especially popular among young turtles in the open ocean, deepening concerns about the ancient animals' long-term outlook.

Plastic bags can bear a striking resemblance to jellyfish underwater, and scientists have long known they have a tendency to confuse hungry sea turtles. But the problem has exploded lately amid a historic surge in plastic pollution, which is forming giant oceanic "garbage patches" that are expected to continue growing for centuries. The new study is the first global analysis of the issue since 1985, covering more than a quarter century of research on green and leatherback sea turtles, both of which are endangered."

See the whole article here!

Source: Mother Nature Network

The Garbage Island

In the Pacific Ocean, between Hawai and Japan, there’s something called the Garbage Island. 

The ocean currents take the trash in the ocean and directs it to an area in which exists a massive concentration of garbage - much like an island. 80% of that trash is from landfills and the dumping of garbage in the seas, and the remainder 20% is from commercial ships. 

There are tonnes of plastic floating in our seas and it is not only dangerous for us, humans, but for animals too. This quantity of trash can induce mutations in living animals cells and therefore create deformations. 

This “island” is known since 1997 however nothing is beeing done to clean the seas and erase this “threat”. The major population doesn’t know about this and other issues, but is essencial that we are all aware of it. This is our planet and we are completly (at least, right now) dependent on it. 

If you read this, tell it to your friend, share it in your blog or other social network, because only when everyone is talking about it then something is going to be done. Help the planet and help yourself! 

Source: Hold a Hand