Preliminary analysis of microplastics from the main continental nesting beach of the hawksbill sea turtle (Eretmochelys imbricata) in Venezuela

Microplastics are an increasing threat to marine fauna and oceanic habitats, potentially affecting sea turtle nesting beaches. Hawksbill turtles (Eretmochelys imbricata) a Critically Endangered species with decreasing population trends. There several hawksbill rookeries in the southern Caribbean Sea, particularly on Los Garzos Beach, main site of continental Venezuela. A preliminary physical analysis microplastics sampled from 10 sites Beach reported high numbers (94 ± 2.5 items) 14 different materials colors. Microplastic counts at averaged 1504 405.61 items m-2, higher than other worldwide. were no statistical differences concentration Beach. However, this beach is midpoint falling tide (3520 m-2) top area (3840 m-2). We speculate that debris could harm environment region. While study presents values for important Venezuela, it also serves as baseline long-term studies can help determine impact sources plastic pollution rookeries.