AUSTRALIA — Researchers found that ingesting just one piece of plastic could increase the chance of a sea turtle to die by 22 percent, according to a study published in the Scientific Reports.<br /><br />The researchers found younger turtles have a higher risk of dying from plastic than adult turtles as they tend to float with the ocean currents where most of the small lightweight plastic lies.<br /><br />Adult turtles in comparison tend to be choosier with what they eat, choosing instead to eat sea grass and crustaceans.<br /><br />The researchers explained a even a thin, flimsy piece of plastic could block the intestine, resulting in blockage in the long run. While harder pieces of plastic could cause internal injuries, which could ultimately lead to death.<br /><br />The study also found that about half of the sea turtles on Earth have already consumed plastic.<br /><br />Dr. Hardesty, one of the authors of the study, said we should "rethink our relationship with plastic" and work to reduce the turtles' exposure to plastic.
