Beach Plastic Cleanup

Two rare species of sea turtles live and nest in the Mediterranean Sea: the Caretta caretta (loggerhead sea turtle) and the green sea turtle. Both species are protected and face serious threats due to plastic pollution.

Sea turtles feed on jellyfish and often mistake plastic bags for jellyfish. When turtles swallow plastic, it can cause severe internal injuries and blockages in the stomach and intestines. Sometimes the animals stop feeling hunger and slowly die from starvation.

Old fishing nets and fishing lines are especially dangerous. Turtles can become trapped in them, lose the ability to reach the surface for air, and drown. Nets can also injure their flippers and necks, leaving them permanently disabled.

Plastic is dangerous not only for adult turtles but also for hatchlings. Female turtles come ashore at night on Mediterranean beaches to lay their eggs. If the beach is polluted with trash, glass, or plastic, it becomes harder for them to find a safe nesting place.

For baby turtles, beach litter can become a deadly obstacle. After hatching, they must quickly reach the sea, but plastic waste can block their path. Artificial lights from hotels, cafés, and roads also disorient hatchlings. Instead of moving toward the sea, they may crawl toward buildings and die from heat, vehicles, or predators.

Microplastics — tiny plastic particles — are another major problem. They enter the water and the marine food chain. Scientists have found microplastics inside marine animals and even on beaches where turtles lay their eggs.

We help protect sea turtles and clean the coastline by:
• removing plastic waste from beaches;
• installing protective barriers around nests;
• making sure people do not leave trash on the shore;
• helping hatchlings safely reach the sea;
• educating people about the importance of protecting nature.

Everyone can help protect the sea and sea turtles:
• do not leave trash on the beach;
• reduce the use of single-use plastics;
• participate in beach clean-up activities;
• do not disturb turtles or their nests.

Even small actions can help protect sea turtles and preserve the Mediterranean Sea for future generations.