A 2025 study (attached) collected samples from 209 beaches across 39 countries and 6 ocean basins, discovering that 45 percent of the beaches contained “suspected microplastics” (those visually identified but not yet confirmed through further analysis). Some of the samples came from Padre Island National Seashore in Texas, where microplastics may indirectly reduce the turtle nesting success of species like the endangered Kemp’s ridley sea turtle.
According to the study, Mediterranean beaches were the most contaminated (80 percent); South Pacific beaches were the least (0 percent). Forty-three percent of North Pacific beaches and 35 percent of South Atlantic beaches were contaminated. Two of the 10 Padre Island samples included microplastics.
Polyethylene was the most common type of plastic confirmed through further analysis of the samples. Polyethylene is used to make everything from clear food wrap and shopping bags to detergent bottles, toys, and automobile fuel tanks.
According to the paper authors, current microplastic levels aren’t as much a risk to sea turtles as predation and other threats. But microplastic pollution can change the nest environment, possibly by increasing moisture retention and fungal growth or, conversely, reducing moisture and drying out the eggs. This potentially affects hatchling development and success.
This study established a global microplastics dataset that could guide efforts to curb microplastic contamination on turtle nesting beaches.
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Our app is packed with RVing- specific details on more than 250 campgrounds in more than 70 national parks.
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