engleski

The effects of plastic ingestion on the loggerhead turtle (Caretta caretta), studied by the DEB model

The loggerhead turtle (Caretta caretta) has a significant role in preserving the balance of marine and land ecosystems. This protected migratory species has a worldwide distribution, uses several habitat types, and is vulnerable to global and local pressures. In order to improve its protection, detailed research was conducted on the ecology of the species, and effects of specific human- and climate-induced pressures. The research consisted of: (i) collection and analysis of published and experimental data, (ii) developing the Dynamic Energy Budget (DEB) life cycle model for the loggerhead turtle to describe the acquisition and use of energy for the processes of growth, maturation, and reproduction, and (iii) using the DEB model to obtain new insights about the species. An addition to the general model was made to study the possible effects of plastic ingestion (that occurs during regular feeding) on the life cycle of loggerhead turtles. Plastic ingestion was modelled as a reduction in the functional food response (of the hyperbolic type), and four levels of (constant) scaled food availability were explored. The results suggest that, if taken into account simply as a food level reduction, ingestion of plastic has adverse effects on ultimate physical length and weight (and the weight-to-length ratio), as well as the reproduction output

plastic ingestion ; marine turtle ; mathematical modelling

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