2022 Research Update
We are proud to present some of our latest research conducted along Playa Norte, just a quarter mile from Cano Palma Biological Research Station.
Approximately 80% or more of the anthropogenic debris that accumulates in the natural environment is plastic. All known species of marine turtles are affected by entanglement or ingestion of marine debris. Marine debris on nesting beaches puts nesting females at risk of entanglement, may impede hatchlings from exiting the nest, and makes them more vulnerable to predators.
Playa Norte is a beach in the North East of Costa Rica highly polluted with debris, but with low human occupancy. It is also an important nesting ground for green, hawksbill, leatherback turtles. In this study, we conducted accumulation rate surveys following a standardized marine debris protocol from March 2016 to January 2018. We categorized macro-debris by size and material type. In total, 191,030 debris items were collected during the study period, with 96.2% of these being plastic.These results are critical to understanding the drivers of marine debris pollution in critical wildlife nesting habitats and how we can mitigate them going into the future. Additional research is needed to further understand the direct sources of pollution and their effects on the surrounding ecosystems.
Approximately 80% or more of the anthropogenic debris that accumulates in the natural environment is plastic. All known species of marine turtles are affected by entanglement or ingestion of marine debris. Marine debris on nesting beaches puts nesting females at risk of entanglement, may impede hatchlings from exiting the nest, and makes them more vulnerable to predators.
Playa Norte is a beach in the North East of Costa Rica highly polluted with debris, but with low human occupancy. It is also an important nesting ground for green, hawksbill, leatherback turtles. In this study, we conducted accumulation rate surveys following a standardized marine debris protocol from March 2016 to January 2018. We categorized macro-debris by size and material type. In total, 191,030 debris items were collected during the study period, with 96.2% of these being plastic.These results are critical to understanding the drivers of marine debris pollution in critical wildlife nesting habitats and how we can mitigate them going into the future. Additional research is needed to further understand the direct sources of pollution and their effects on the surrounding ecosystems.
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At Caño Palma Biological Station we operate a number of long term monitoring projects, as well as provide facilities and support for researchers and students conducting independent research. Please click below to learn more:
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