the Hawaiian-based longline fishery is 1 19 green turtles. Traps, commonly used to capture 

 crabs, lobster and reef fish result in incidental takes of green turtles when they become entangled 

 in the trap lines and drown. The impact of this gear on green turtle populations has not been 

 quantified. 



Marine debris: Green turtles eat a wide variety of marine debris such as plastic bags, plastic and 

 Styrofoam pieces, tar balls, balloons, and plastic pellets. Effects of consumption include 

 interference in metabolism or gut function, even at low levels of ingestion, as well as absorption 

 of toxic byproducts. -Discarded monofilament fishing line and abandoned netting can entangle 

 turtles, causing injury and/or death. 



Fibropapillomatosis disease has been found to affect large numbers of green turtles in certain 

 areas, including Florida and Hawaii. The disease is characterized by large tumorous growlhs 

 commonly found on the skin and eyes. The cause of the disease is unknown; however, 

 significant numbers of green turtles are infected and many of these infected individuals die. 



Illegal harvesting of green turtles is uncommon in the U.S. No estimates of take exist. Illegal 

 take of green turtles in the Caribbean, particularly near Puerto Rico, is a significant problem. 

 Legislation and treaties to protect and conserve green turtles are more extensive than they have 

 been in the past, although laws are often poorly enforced, especially among developing nations 

 and smaller islands where resources and geography limit implementation. 



Marine pollution: Green turtles are at risk when encountering an oil spill. Respiration, skin, 

 blood chemistry and salt gland functions are affected. Pesticides, heavy metals, and PCB's have 

 been detected in turtles and eggs, but the effect is unknown. 



Dredging can result in habitat destruction by disrupting nesting or foraging grounds. Hopper 

 dredges can also kill turtles caught in dragheads. 



In areas where recreational boating and ship traffic is intense, propeller and collision injuries are 

 common and likely play a significant role in hampering recovery. 



Marina and dock construction result in a loss of green turtle foraging habitat. This development 

 also leads to increased boat traffic, increasing the risk of turtle/vessel collisions. 



Turtles have been caught in saltwater intake systems of coastal power plants. The mortality rate 

 of the turtles involved is estimated at 7%. 



Underwater explosions (e.g. gas and oil structure removal and testing using explosives) can kill 

 or injure turtles, and may destroy or damage habitat. 



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