August 11, 2022
MEDASSET, has launched a new social awareness campaign aimed at addressing the recent increase in purple jellyfish in Greek waters. This initiative emphasizes the crucial ecological role of sea turtles, which are natural predators of jellyfish, and underscores the significant threat that plastic pollution poses to these endangered creatures. Sea turtles are essential to maintaining the balance of marine ecosystems in the Mediterranean; however, plastic waste represents one of the greatest risks to their survival.
Supported by the A.G. Leventis Foundation, the message will be broadcast on national television stations, pending approval from the National Council for Radio and Television (ESR).
Plastic pollution is escalating at an alarming rate, endangering vulnerable marine species not only through entanglement in fishing gear such as “ghost nets,” but also by ingestion of plastic materials. Research indicates that 52% of sea turtles worldwide are likely to have ingested plastic. Furthermore, a study conducted by MEDASSET in partnership with the Hellenic Centre for Marine Research (HCMR) as part of the MEDSEALITTER project revealed that 72% of the 36 deceased turtles examined on Greek shores had plastic in their digestive systems.
Plastic is emerging as the sea’s most significant threat, largely stemming from land-based sources. To address this growing issue, MEDASSET has produced a television message encouraging individuals to adopt more sustainable habits. Key actions include rapidly reducing plastic consumption, gradually eliminating single-use plastics, improving recycling practices, reusing materials, safely disposing of waste, and minimizing overall waste production. These steps are essential for the well-being of marine ecosystems.
Watch the Social Message
MEDASSET Director, Mr. Giorgos Sampson, commented, “This year, we have received numerous messages expressing concern about the rise in purple jellyfish in Greek seas. People recognize the importance of sea turtles and wish for their numbers to increase. However, it is crucial for each of us to reflect on how our daily habits contribute to the health of our seas.”
- Source:
- Schuyler, Q., Wilcox, C., Townsend, K., Wedemeyer-Strombel, K., Balazs, G., Sebille, E., Hardesty, B., 20156, Risk analysis reveals global hotspots for marine debris ingestion by sea turtles, Global Change Biology, Vol:22, Issue : , pp 465 – 964
- Digka, N., Bray, L., Tsangkaris, C., Andreanidou, K., Kasimati, E,. Kofidou, E., Komnenou, A., Kaberi, H.,2020, Evidence of ingested plastics in stranded loggerhead sea turtles alongthe Greek coastline, East Mediterranean Sea, Environmental Pollution, Vol: 263, part A
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