As time goes on, sea turtles are becoming more endangered, and there should be a quick intervention to change the trend. There are two significant issues that have a tremendous negative impact on the different species of turtles. The first issue is pollution which covers incorporates other problems such as plastics and fishnet entanglements. The second issue is climate change which contributes to ocean acidification and degradation of sea turtle habitats. This work seeks to describe a management strategy that can be used to address each environmental issue to protect the turtles.
Management Strategy to Address Pollution
Plastics and fishnet entanglements are significant dangers for the turtles in the sea. The sea turtles confuse toxic plastics for food, and this acts as a silent poison while the fishnet entanglements are a trap for the turtles. Implementation of a zero vision for plastic leakage into the oceans can be vital to make a step towards protecting turtles. The implementation should be done at the national, local, and industry level which aims at dealing with all kinds of marine litter. The move shall ensure that all the potential points of plastic leakage are eliminated. In the process, all the ghost fishing gears shall retrieve and disposed of appropriately. All producers dealing with the production of plastic fishing gear shall be required to cater to the costs incurred in the retrieval of plastic gears.
The management strategy addresses the environmental issue of pollution by regulating plastic wastes in the oceans. Most of the plastics in the marine environment contain contaminants such as pesticides, PCBs and biphenyl. Manufacturers have a role in the high percentage of contaminants in the sea thus focusing on where the plastics originate can help in mitigating the issue. Thus the strategy shall aim at all producers both the national, local and international levels.
The management plan shall be implemented by setting up a law that shall discourage plastic use. Additionally, a legally binding international agreement shall be used to curb the production and discharge of plastics in the maritime environment. Through the United Nations Environmental Assembly, various representatives from different nations shall be used to initiate the action plan in their states and shall be followed to ensure that the law is strictly followed at all levels.
Various types of resources shall be required in the implementation of the plan. Funds will be needed to detect ghost fishing gears and those who produce them. Funds for continual research is also necessary to aid in the evaluation and to provide better future solutions (Noonan 131). Additionally, there shall be financial incentives to deliver ghost fishing gear facilities to various ports. Staff shall be needed to monitor and ensure that the law is strictly followed by manufacturers and shall also ensure that ghost fishing gears are not used in the marine environment.
Fighting against plastics in the oceans is a global challenge. One of the difficulties expected is the possible risk of lack of cooperation from some countries. Although laws may be passed at an International level, some countries may be reluctant in implementing them thus posing a threat to the management plan. Additionally, the plan has financial implications, and it may be necessary to get donors or voluntary organizations to support the program and hence the plan may not be stable and sustainable without finances. The method may also face a rebellion from manufacturing sectors since they don’t have an alternative means to the plastic products being produced.
Evaluation of the success of the plan shall be based on data obtained after a stipulated period. If there is a steady increase in the number of sea turtles, then the plan shall be deemed successful. Additionally, there should be a reduction in the percentage of plastic wastes in the sea bed. A decrease in the number of ghost fishing gears in the marine environment shall imply that the strategy was successful.
Management Strategy to Address Climate Change
Climate change is a global issue. Since the oceans are the natural habitats for turtles, ocean acidification tampers with the habitat and has a negative influence in the ecosystem (Hickman 107). An implementation to increase taxation on fossil fuels will ensure that environmentally friendly green energy is used, incentives shall be awarded for firms striving on maximizing green energy.
The strategy addresses the environmental problem because, with the industrial revolution, industries are major air pollutants because of Carbon and other harmful gases emission which in turn cause acidic rain which pollutes the natural habitats for turtles. The management plan ensures that the fossil fuels which have a significant role in climate change will be costly to use. The move encourages for research for alternative means; thus the marine environment will be secured.
The strategy can be implemented by cooperating with International bodies to initiate the increment of taxation on fossil fuels. The law will need to be implemented at national and international levels; thus, representatives from different countries shall be involved to make the plan a success.
Funds will be required to award incentives to those using environmentally friendly methods of production. The funds shall also be used to address the technology needs in migrating from fossil fuels. Staffs shall also be needed to monitor the progress and suitability of the implemented law.
The major challenge is the significant time lags in the climate system. It may take a very long time for a change to be noticed in the marine environment irrespective of the policies implemented. The challenge makes it hard to highlight any realized change in the ecosystem. Additionally, numerous institutions must respond to climate change, and thus the strategy may not be effective in the complex environment unless fully supported by every stakeholder.
Evaluation for the success of the plan shall be based on the population of the turtle after a stipulated time. Reduction in the acidity of the marine environment shall also indicate that the plan has been successful. A shift from fossil fuels to green energy shall also imply that the plan was successful.
Conclusion
Sea turtles are under threat because of the changing ecosystem enhanced by human activities. There should be strict measures to conserve the endangered species because the decline in the number of sea turtles is alarming. Aspects such as plastic discharge in the sea and climate change have a significant influence on the existence of turtles. However, if laws are implemented to reduce their impact, then the sea turtles will be conserved.
Works Cited
Hickman, Pamela. Turtle Rescue. Richmond Hill, Ont: Firefly Books, 2015. Print.
Noonan, Diana. Turtle Protection. Philadelphia: Chelsea Clubhouse, 2017. Print.