2026-09-21T14:48:27Z https://meral.edu.mm/oai

oai:meral.edu.mm:recid/00010702 2025-01-24T05:09:08Z 1582963390870:1598263053473

A Study of Plastic Pollution Affecting the Sea Turtle Nesting Beaches at Thameehla Kyun Wildlife Sanctuary in Ngaputaw Township, Ayeyarwady Delta Ko Myint Thin Thin Soe Abstract The study was conducted on Thameehla Kyun W.S, a significant sea turtle nesting site in Ngaputaw Township, Ayeyarwady Region, Myanmar. Despite its historical importance, the island faces a critical issue of plastic debris pollution, affecting both open beach areas and vital turtle nesting habitats. The research aimed to address this problem and provide scientific information for sea turtle conservation at Thameehla Kyun W.S. The objectives of the study are to identify and quantify macro-sized plastic litter and its composition on nesting beaches, to investigate the source and areas of influence of plastic pollution, and to assess the potential impacts of plastic pollution on sea turtle nesting sites and processes. Plastic samples were collected using the line transect method, covering approximately 10% of the study area across two beaches. A total of 1057 plastic litters were recorded, with foam items being the most abundant (20.00%), followed by plastic fragments (17.00%), fishing-related items (15.00%), and plastic bottles (11.00%). Educational items were the least abundant. Litter density was calculated at 5.06/m² for Sathaphoo Beach and 1.2/m² for Thanban Beach. The statistical model estimated 8037.2 litters for Sathaphoo Beach and 3276 litters for Thanban Beach in the study area. Comparing the two beaches, Sathaphoo Beach had significantly higher litter abundance, raising concerns more about the impact on sea turtle nesting habitats. This number is considered high compared to other areas in the region. The research indicated the facts that the surrounding sea of the island is a fishing ground area, its location is near the mouth of the Pathein River, the presence of fishing villages along the adjacent coast, and the month-long Mawtin Pagoda festival collectively contribute a significant amount of plastic waste to the island. In addition, the island will be impacted by plastic waste through the influence of sea currents and weather patterns. Observations of nesting sea turtles in the study area revealed several attempts to dig nest holes, frequent shifts in nest sites, and taken longer period spent at a particular nest, all potentially influenced by the presence of litters on nesting beaches. The study concluded by highlighting the scale of the litter problem in these areas, emphasizing the abundance of foam items, plastic fragments, fishing-related items, and plastic bottles, pose a threat to nesting beaches reducing habitat reproduction and nesting success. Therefore, urgent actions (e.g., through a wide range of public awareness initiatives such as newspaper and journal articles, social media campaign and regular beach cleaning activities through community involvement) and concerted efforts (e.g., habitat conservation, research & monitoring on sea turtle nesting) are necessary to mitigate the impacts of plastic pollution and safeguard the nesting habitats of sea turtles for their survival and the health of marine ecosystems. As a final conclusion, the present research will support as scientific information and plans to safeguard sea turtle nesting habitats, and it will also guide future studies in this field. 2024-10-31 https://meral.edu.mm/records/10702