Marine Nutrient Cycling: How Sea Turtles Promote Healthy Oceanic Ecosystems
As a keystone species, sea turtles occupy a unique ecological niche that cannot be filled by other organisms, making them vital components of the ecosystems they inhabit.
Because they prey on various herbivorous invertebrates, they prevent explosive population growth that can deplete the surrounding waters of oxygen and nutrients.
This also lessens grazing pressure on kelp forests, a crucial habitat for many species of marine wildlife.
Their feeding habits redistribute nutrients over vast distances in the ocean, stimulating the growth of primary producers such as phytoplankton.
When the turtles return to shore to reproduce, they deposit more nutrients into the sand through their eggs, nourishing beach vegetation that stabilizes sand dunes.
Unfortunately, sea turtles are threatened by plastic pollution. Because plastic waste resembles jellyfish, algae, and other prey species, sea turtles may mistakenly ingest them.
Many sea turtles die from consuming plastic, but Ever Wonder Adventure says that reducing your plastic waste and adopting sustainable recycling practices can help protect them.
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