45: Fighting Plastic and Light Pollution for our Turtles with Ranger Lauren Engledow

Plastic pollution is a problem that affects so many animals, habitats, and people. Turtles have come into the spotlight in recent years though, thanks to the rise in social media awareness for their protection and preservation; with a big factor to that being the viral video of the straw stuck up in a poor turtle's nose. This video hit the world hard, but we cannot stop at feeling bad for what is happening when we can make conscious efforts now to save more than just the turtles. Today I'm joined by Lauren Engledow, a turtle ranger dedicated to protecting what is left of the species and rebuilding its future here on the beaches of Mon Repos. You'll hear us talk about this modern-day threat called light pollution and how its strayed hatchlings from where they rightfully belong. Be informed, be aware, and make conscious efforts against plastic waste for our shared future.   In This Episode, We Discuss: Types of turtles left in the world How plastic pollution affects turtles and surrounding marine life Light pollution and how it stray turtles almost as soon as they're born Other threats to turtles The imbalance in male and female turtles What we can do to help   Follow Lauren and the Mon Repos Turtles here: Southern Great Barrier Reef (bundabergregion.org) --- Did you enjoy today's episode? Thanks for listening! Be sure to subscribe on your favorite podcast app to get notified immediately when a new episode comes out! If you enjoyed the Mercast, please click here to leave a review and share this episode with a friend! I hope you spend some time in nature today! I'll catch you next time.   Subscribe to The Mercast ++ Apple Podcasts ++ Spotify ++ Castbox