Archipelagos

  • English
  • Ελληνικα
Who We Are
The TeamThe Team
Research BasesResearch Bases
Research BoatsResearch Boats
Our EquipmentOur Equipment
PartnersPartners
SupportersSupporters
Fields of Action
Marine ConservationMarine Conservation Fisheries Shipping Risks Seagrass Meadows Coralligene Conservation Littoral Ecosystems Invasive Species Jellyfish Sea Turtles
Marine MammalsMarine Mammals Dolphins and Porpoises Whales Seals
Terrestrial ConservationTerrestrial Conservation Island Fauna Forests & Flora Freshwater Ecosystems Aegean Seed Bank
Laboratory ResearchLaboratory Research Microplastics Water Analysis Soil Quality
Projects
Aegean Marine Life Sanctuary
Eco-Navigation
FIsh4Life
Save the Aegean
Join Us
Internships in the Aegean
Remote Internships
Interns Experiences
Field Courses
News
Mass stranding of 12 Cuvier’s beaked whale on the North-West coast of Cyprus
Mass stranding of 12 Cuvier’s beaked whale on the North-West coast of Cyprus
Tragedy in Turkey and Syria
Tragedy in Turkey and Syria
Interactive Activities for the Protection of the Sea
Interactive Activities for the Protection of the Sea
Cuvier’s Beaked Whale
Cuvier’s Beaked Whale
View All...
Contact us
Publications
Videos
Awareness Material
Donate
Menu

Comparison of Microplastics Found Within the Gastrointestinal Tract of Caretta caretta

Comparison of Microplastics Found Within the Gastrointestinal Tract of Caretta caretta

by Kleopatra Delaveri / Wednesday, 05 July 2017 / Published in Intern Experience, Microplastic Team, Work Journal

Megan J. Kelly, University of Salford

Lauren .J. Kageler, Dickinson College

 

The pollutions of the oceans is a rising concern of environmentalists and researchers worldwide. Plastic production and its usage in several fields, from food packaging over water bottling to clothing, increased in the last years. Being cheap in production and durable over a long time of period may seem a positive aspect for plastic, but once left in the environment, those two characteristics make it one of the most concerning pollution item. Once plastic pieces enter the ocean – transported via wind, fresh water

systems or other anthropogenic sources – they are exposed to salt water, sunlight and water currents and therefore tend to break down into smaller pieces.

These pieces – if they are smaller than 5mm – are so called “microplastics”.

One of the projects of Archipelagos Marine Institute is currently working on the assessment of microplastics content in two loggerhead sea turtles (Caretta caretta) which were washed up on shore less than 10km from each other. 

The first individual was stranded on a beach in Pythagorio, Samos Island, in 2010, the second one was found in Psili Ammos in 2017.

An autopsy was carried out followed by a necropsy for both individuals and data of their size and sex was documented. The stomach, large intestine and small intestine was emptied and sieved to remove any plastic or natural sediments larger than 5mm. From this point forward, a filtration process has taken place. The 2017 C. caretta has been fully filtered and is awaiting microscopic analysis, whereas the 2010 C. caretta is currently in the process of filtration.

Astonishingly in the stomach content of the 2017 C. caretta, we identified a 30cm piece of fishing line, with the remains of natural food sources such as crabs and sea urchins.

This project is not only in place to assess microplastics found in the gastrointestinal tract of both turtles, but also to evaluate if the microplastics differ in term of type ingested over the past few years. This project has the potential of being used for future Archipelagos researchers and students, to assess if microplastic digestion will increase within future stranding’s of the C. caretta.

0
0
0
0
0

What you can read next

The Synergy of Scientific Knowledge and Media Tools is Essential for Conservation
Surveying The Large and Extraordinary Mammals Over The Deep-Water Canyons of North Ikaria Island
Experimental Design and Assessment of Artificial Reefs

HIGHLIGHTS

  • International Visitors at the Aegean Marine Life Sanctuary Project

    International Visitors at the Aegean Marine Life Sanctuary Project

    1 June 2021
    At Archipelagos Institute of Marine Conservation an important visit took …
  • The Efkranti Award was Granted to the Archipelagos Institute of Marine Conservation

    The Efkranti Award was Granted to the Archipelagos Institute of Marine Conservation

    27 July 2020
    It was a great honor but also great moral support …
  • The President of the Hellenic Republic’s visit to Archipelagos research vessel, the Aegean Explorer

    The President of the Hellenic Republic’s visit to Archipelagos research vessel, the Aegean Explorer

    30 June 2020
    Yesterday, during the President of the Republic’s visit to the …
  • Award to Archipelagos: Best Heroic Act of Environmental Stewardship

    Award to Archipelagos: Best Heroic Act of Environmental Stewardship

    19 February 2020
    The Short Documentary Film presenting the Aegean Marine Life Sanctuary, …
  • Award to Archipelagos Institute from the International Propeller Club of the United States

    Award to Archipelagos Institute from the International Propeller Club of the United States

    6 February 2020
    We would like to thank the International Propeller Club of …

Recent Posts

  • Mass stranding of 12 Cuvier’s beaked whale on the North-West coast of Cyprus

    Mass stranding of 12 Cuvier’s beaked whale on the North-West coast of Cyprus

    15 February 2023
    Twelve Cuvier’s beaked whales (Ziphius cavirostris) have been found stranded, …
  • Tragedy in Turkey and Syria

    Tragedy in Turkey and Syria

    15 February 2023
    Our past week of silence across social media amounts to …
  • Interactive Activities for the Protection of the Sea

    Interactive Activities for the Protection of the Sea

    23 December 2022
    Before the closing of schools for Christmas break, students from …
  • Cuvier’s Beaked Whale

    Cuvier’s Beaked Whale

    20 December 2022
    Cuvier’s Beaked Whale in the waters of the North Aegean …
  • From dawn in the open sea

    From dawn in the open sea

    8 December 2022
    From dawn in the open sea, having 2-3 hours until …
  • Archipelagos in the 8th Meeting of the Members of ACCOBAMS

    Archipelagos in the 8th Meeting of the Members of ACCOBAMS

    2 December 2022
    The 8th meeting of the members of ACCOBAMS (Agreement for …
  • The International School of the Sea – Action Continues during the Winter Months

    The International School of the Sea – Action Continues during the Winter Months

    1 December 2022
    As winter is approaching, Archipelagos’ International School of the Sea …

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Archipelagos Institute of Marine Conservation is committed to researching and defending the biodiversity of the Greek seas and islands.

Our action is possible only with your help!

donate
  • Contact us
  • Placements

Archipelagos - Institute of Marine Conservation © All Rights Reserved || Web Design and Development by Red Web Design & Fekas Brothers

TOP