Trash Talking Turtles

Plastic pollution is a great threat to marine life. Sea Turtles, some of the oceans cutest creatures, are especially vulnerable to the problem. They often mistake plastic bags or balloons for jellyfish and eat them, causing serious long term health effects. The Virginia Aquarium and Marine Science Center is dedicated to raising awareness about this issue.

It started when a green sea turtle washed ashore, sick and emaciated. “Kermit” was rescued by the Virginia Aquarium Stranding Response Program. X-rays revealed plastic, paper, and several pieces of balloons lodged in the turtle‛s throat. A team of veterinarians was able to remove the trash and fortunately Kermit recovered. However, the close encounter demonstrated the need to educate the public about the threat sea turtles face due to plastic pollution.

The Aquarium’s Stranding Response Program “Trash Talking Turtles” was designed to increase public awareness by incorporating trash items collected during cleanups, specifically balloons, into sea turtle sculptures created by children. The intention is to provide a visual way to increase awareness of the hazards posed by balloons and other marine debris to wildlife, and it also gives children a creative way to learn about the marine debris problem and a feeling of ownership in helping to solve it.

Kermit‛s story inspired students at First Colonial High School in Virginia Beach to create art pieces on the dangers balloons and other litter pose to marine life. The students banded together and made sea turtle sculptures from balloons collected during beach cleanups. The Trash-Talking Turtles are now on display at parks around the state.

The Virginia Aquarium and Marine Science Center has since expanded the program, encouraging various school groups to partake in this educational art initiative. They even provide a guide for people to make their own Trash Talking Turtle.

Keep Virginia Beautiful wants to encourage everyone to properly dispose of plastic waste and pick up any litter they see, particularly at the beach.

Please note:  The Virginia Aquarium reminds us that if you see a seal, sea turtle, dolphin, or whale on a beach, call the Virginia Aquarium’s Stranding Response Team’s 24-hour hotline at (757) 385-7575. The public is reminded of the Marine Mammal Protection Act, a federal conservation law that requires members of the public remain at least 50 feet away from marine mammals, including seals resting on our beaches.